The Streets Are Narrow And
Dirty, With The Exception Of One A Mile In Length, And About Two Hundred
Feet Wide; Where The Market Is Held Every Friday.
"The houses are all
circular with conical huts built of clay, with the exception of the chief
Mallam's, which has a gable end to it.
The verandahs in the front give
them a cool and pleasant appearance." The king's residence would appear
to be the citadel, as it is surrounded by a wall pierced with many
loopholes. Mr. Laird estimates the population at 15,000, who are chiefly
employed in extensive dye-works, and in the manufacture of iron and
copper utensils.
Soon after this, Mr. Laird having resolved to abandon the expedition,
returned to Fernando Po in the Quorra. Dr. Briggs, the medical officer
attached to the expedition, had died in February; and only three or four
of the original crew of the vessel survived.
We shall now follow Mr. Oldfield's narrative. As Mr. Laird was on his
return to Fernando Po, he passed the Alburkah, with Messrs. Lander and
Oldfield on board, on their way to Boussa. They entered the Tshadda on
the 2d August, and sailed 104 miles up the stream, till the want of
provisions compelled them to return to the Niger. They remained for some
time at Kacunda, Egga, and Rabba, but their efforts to open a trade with
the natives were by no means successful. At Rabba, they were compelled to
return, in consequence of the steamer's engine having sustained some
damage.
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