The Fash-hook which produces the Ammoniacum does not extend in any quantity beyond Agadeer, nor is there much below Suweïrrah, the Derjmuse, or Euphorbium occupying its place.
The urine taken from camels which are giving suck, and drunk warm, is used as a purgative, and to increase the appetite.
Of the serpents the Busk-ah (black serpent) is most dreaded; although the poison of the Ef-ah (the yellow spotted one) is the most active in operation. The former is, however, very irritable and quick in its movements. I saw one June 8th.
The Camelion (Tatta) is very common about Wad Nún, and is called the serpent’s enemy.
One of those strange animals between a bull and a female ass was seen at Wád Nún: it is called jemmel. There is likewise a breed between the bull and mare.
The falling sickness, and the being possessed by a spirit, are diseases not known at Wád Nún.
The Tigghi, a small fish, like the sand-eel is found in most of the rivers of Súdán. The effect produced by this on the system is very curious. Like the torpedo or gymnotus lumbricus it paralizes the whole body, and takes away the senses for nearly half-an-hour. It is about eight inches long, and is much dreaded by the people. The common mode of taking fish is to put into the water a quantity of the Yeghan Touno, a small tree about five feet high. This intoxicates the fish, and renders them blind, when they are easily caught.
There are great quantities of Crocodiles of a large size, and hosts of Alligators. The gall of the former is always taken out and burnt, as it is supposed to poison the water. The Kaaux has a smooth skin but is in other respects like the Crocodile. The Kooroom lives entirely on land, and is similar to the Guana. Hippopotami abound in the rivers of Kong, and are called Máleh or D’jero Máleh. Their flesh, which is eaten, is considered a delicacy: they come out of the water about four P.M., and are easily taken. Darquey, the animal between the bull and mare, is likewise eaten: it is large as a horse and is very fleet. There is an animal about the size of a large dray-horse, red with white stripes and two horns turning back, called the Daramah, or Sukotelly: they go in large herds, and are very good eating. There are also elephants, called m’hoor-do, out of number. Of the Sinsi the meat is not eaten; it is hunted chiefly for its eggs. The Tange is somewhat of the same species, but much larger: others called Song are like small red heifers; but they never leave the banks of rivers. The hyenas, called Minna, are in great numbers. The Japp is like a small goat. There is a very beautiful species of Antelope, jet black, called Tuba. The Giraffe is seen frequently, but it does not come near the towns; they are, however, much sought after by the rich (Congo Yomee). Buffaloes, called Siggi, are found here together with musk-rats, &c. Of birds there are bustards, wild turkies, eagles and vultures. The kites will take the meat out of the people’s hands.
The direction of the Letter to Hámed Libbú.
Please the high God, it will reach the hand of the great King, who now possesses high authority and high fame, exalted in person and rank:—the Sultán Hámed Libbú, the lord of the city Tumbuktú, renowned in Africa. May God continue his assistance, and comfort him. Amen.