the lands, and the rents are paid
sometimes in kind, and sometimes in gold-dust and cowries. Houses
are let by the month. He paid four Mexico dollars per month; but a
native would not have paid above two for the same house. A man who
has five Mexico dollars[82] a month, is esteemed in easy
circumstances; those, however, who have 30 or 40 per month, are
common.

[Footnote 82: Ten dollars worth of rice is sufficient for the
daily food of a man a twelve-month.]

REVENUES.

The king has 2 per cent. on the produce of the land. The revenues
arise from the same sources as at Timbuctoo, but are much larger.
Foreign merchants pay nothing, as the Housaeens think they ought to
be encouraged. The revenue is supposed to be immense.

ARMY.

He cannot precisely tell the number of troops, but believes the
king can raise 70,000 to 80,000 horse, and 100,000 foot. The horses
45 are poor and small, except a few kept for the king's own use. He
has no well-bred mares. Their arms are the same as at Timbuctoo;
the muskets, which are matchlocks, are made in the country. They
are very dexterous in throwing the lance. Gunpowder is also
manufactured there; the brimstone is brought from Fas; the charcoal
they make; and he believes they prepare the nitre.[83] Their arrows
are feathered and barbed; the bows are all cross-bows, with
triggers; the arrows, 20 to 40 in a quiver, are made of hides, and
hang on the left side. The king never goes to war in person. The
soldiers have a peculiar dress; their heads are bare; but the
officers have a kind of turban; the soldiers have a shirt of coarse
white cotton, and yellow slippers; those of the officers are red.
Some have turbans adorned with gold. They carry their powder in a
leather purse; the match, made of cotton, is wound round the gun;
they have flint and steel in a pouch, and also spare matches.

[Footnote 83: The saltpetre and brimstone are probably derived
from Terodant in Suse, where both abound.]

THE TRADE

Is similar to that of Timbuctoo; in both places foreign merchants
always employ agents, or brokers, to trade to advantage; a man
should reside sometime before he begins. Ivory is sold by the
tooth; he bought one, weighing 200 lb. for five ducats (1_L. 5s._);
he sold it in Marocco