[Footnote 219: These boats are thirty days in reaching Jinnie; during the passage the Nile takes a considerable turn to the south, and returns again, forming a semi-circle; this curve is denominated (El Kos Nile) the curve, or bow of the Nile. A large stone is a substitute in these boats for an anchor, which would not hold in the muddy bottom of the river; these are attached to a cable, and thrown overboard at night, during which, watch is kept to prevent the Negroes from approaching, who often swim to, and plunder the boats, when not kept off by fire-arms.] [Footnote 220: Some tribute is paid by the town of Timbuctoo to this tribe, by way of securing their forbearance from plundering the caravans from the north, which pass through their territory.] [Footnote 221: I sent a quantity of this coffee to Mr. James Willis, who had formerly the appointment of Consul for Senegambia; but this gentleman informed me, on my arrival in England, that it was of a very inferior quality.] [Footnote 222: Persons acquainted with the respective value of African produce, will perhaps ask how it happens that the akkabaahs transport Gum Soudan from Timbuctoo to Barbary, which is not so valuable as wax? The reason is evident, the wax is useful, and being consumed by the natives, always commands a price; the gum is not of any use or value to the Africans, but is collected and transported to Barbary only to be sold to the European factors on the coast.] [Footnote 223: Seven cubits make four yards.]