that passes over the head. Beads are a common ornament; you do not see a single female without them, and the rich have broad girdles, which they take care every now and then to show. TO THE SAME. “_Kuka, July 14_, 1823. “Since I wrote you last I have got very little new to communicate. But you will be glad to hear that my health is now much improved. I have been travelling about during the last six weeks, for the purpose of visiting the different places of importance; and I have reason to be well pleased with the treatment I have everywhere experienced; all have been civil—kind. There is indeed very little left for me to desire, every thing having so far exceeded my expectations. The sheikh Canmi, governor of Bornou, has been like a father, granting every indulgence, and showing every kindness. At the end of the rains I hope to go into Soudan, to make discoveries there, the people are good, and the country very interesting. Our houses are not waterproof like yours. They are little round places of mud with straw roofs. There are neither stones nor lime in the whole kingdom, so that large substantial houses cannot be built for want of materials. The streets are frequently knee-deep with water from the rain of a few hours. The thunder is awful, but the lightning seldom does any damage. There are very few poisonous animals, and noxious insects are very rare. I think, if every thing turns out as I expect, I shall be home in little more than a year. I have nothing to dread, and have never had a wakeful night from fear.”