CHAPTER IV.
Articles of Commerce between Fezzan and the Interior, as well as to Egypt, Bornou, and Waday — Gonja — Description of Ghadams — Benewaleed and Benewazeed — Reports of a Successor to Mukni — His Illness — Gardens — Costumes of the Natives — Their Amusements — Visits to the Sultan’s Family — Celebration of the Feast of Aid el Kebire — Sickness and Sufferings of the Author and his Companions — Education of the Children of Morzouk — Revenues of the Sultan of Fezzan — Illness and lamented Death of Mr. Ritchie — His Funeral — Determination of the Author to penetrate to the Southward of Morzouk.
the articles of commerce carried from fezzan to soudan, bornou, and waday, are—
Beads. The following kinds are at present in fashion: Mjeddrah el Baida (white smallpox); of white china, having raised spots on them. Erwandadi; transparent, oval, and dark blue. Koontombali; red, transparent, having white streaks and figures, of an oval form. Khorz el Adi; small beads of opaque glass, all colours. Menjura; large octagonal beads of red, white, and green. The white are at present preferred: a fowl is purchased for a bead of this kind. Khabba Jedeeda; black oval beads, having white or light blue rings on them. Guttuf; the smallest size, of all colours, mixed. Dhab el Mesquin (or poor man’s gold); black china beads, having yellow spots raised on them. Bandeaus of beads and necklaces ready made. I have been thus particular for the information of future travellers, as the beads we took with us were unsaleable, and the above are always to be purchased at Tripoli.
Coral. Morgian Teddoo, small coral in strings, in beads, in the rough, and in necklaces.
Needles. Four of which purchase a fine fowl.
Silks. Damask, and all light silks of a gaudy colour: if they have flowers worked on them, they sell much better; sewing silk, or raw silk, and ribbons of various colours.
Red cloth, of a coarse kind, and brings an equally high price with the kerseymere we had with us. Salisbury flannels would sell very well.
Red shawls. As turbans, and a few having fine borders, which are sold to the chiefs. Our imitation shawls would be highly prized: the more red they had in them, the better.
Copper pots and kettles, tinned inside.