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MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1) When calculating economic profit using the ‘performance spread’ method, the invested capital is 1) _______
subtracted from the performance spread to economic profit. Which of the following shows how
performance spread is calculated?
A) WACC - Return on capital B) Return on capital + WACC
C) Return on capital - WACC D) Entity value - WACC

2) Who owns a plc? 2) _______

A) The shareholders
B) Banks who have lent money to the organisation
C) The debt capital holders
D) Senior management

3) Which three of the following statements correctly relate to shares or shareholders? 3) _______
A) The shareholder will always receive back the original capital invested.
B) Shareholders have the right to exercise control over the company.
C) Ordinary shareholders are the last in the queue to have their claims met.
D) Ordinary shares represent the equity share capital of the firm.

4) Which two statements best describe a company's debt capital holders? 4) _______
A) They have an equity interest in the company.
B) They have no formal control.
C) They receive interest and may recover capital.
D) They will always receive back their original capital.

5) Which two statements best describe the costs of equity when compared with the cost of debt 5) _______
capital?
A) Investing via equity finance is less risky for investors.
B) Equity finance is less expensive for companies.
C) Investing via debt finance is less risky for investors.
D) Debt finance can be less expensive for companies.

6) Which two statements accurately describe the situation regarding extraordinary profits that a 6) _______
company may earn?
A) Lenders do not generally benefit from extraordinary profits.
B) Lenders generally contribute to extraordinary profits.
C) Shareholders may only be asked to re-invest extraordinary profits.
D) Shareholders may be recipients of any surplus.

7) Which two statements accurately describe the taxation of dividends and loans? 7) _______
A) Dividends can be used to reduce a firm's taxable profits.
B) The company will generally prefer equity finance since it is more tax efficient.
C) Interest payments on a loan are tax deductible.
D) Dividends are paid out of after-tax earnings.

8) From a shareholder's viewpoint, what is the key benefit of limited liability? 8) _______
A) Shareholders are only liable up to the amount that the company owes its creditors.
B) Shareholders are only liable up to the amount they have invested or promised to invest.
C) The company’s liabilities are limited, ensuring that shareholders can always recover their
investment.
D) The company’s liabilities are limited to the total authorised capital.
 9) A company has authorised capital of £9m. It has issued all the preference shares (value £4m) but 9) _______
only £3m of the ordinary shares. What term is used for the remaining £2m?
A) Unissued share capital B) Authorised but unissued share capital
C) Uninvestable share capital D) Share premium capital

10) The par value of shares in a particular company is 100p. The price received by the company for 10) ______
the shares is 400p. What is the difference in value (300p) called?
A) Authorised share capital value B) Share value
C) Ordinary share capital D) Shareholder premium

11) What type of investment offers a fixed rate of return, and is part of the shareholders’ funds but 11) ______
not part of the equity capital?
A) Authorised but unissued shares B) Ordinary shares
C) Debt capital D) Preference shares

12) Which three of the following statements correctly apply to preference shares? 12) ______
A) When compared with bonds, they offer a higher rate of return but at higher risk to the
investor.
B) Preference shares usually carry voting rights.
C) The dividend on them is paid before anything is paid out to ordinary shareholders.
D) They usually offer their owners a fixed rate of dividend each year.

13) Which two of the following statements are correct? 13) ______
A) It is more expensive to obtain a quotation on the Official List than the Alternative
Investment Market.
B) Companies with a price quote on PLUS (previously OFEX) are not regulated by the UK
Listing Authority.
C) Private equity is a term to describe the equity capital of family owned limited companies. It
does not cover public limited companies with shares held by institutional shareholders.
D) To join the Alternative Investment Market a company is required to have 3 years of
accounts available for inspection.

14) Which three of the following statements correctly describe the different types of company? 14) ______
A) Private companies are the most common form of company.
B) Public limited companies must display the suffix ‘plc’.
C) Private companies have the suffix ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’.
D) A private company must have a stated minimum amount of share capital.

15) Which three of the following are advantages to the firm of preference share capital? 15) ______
A) Preference shareholders receive all the extraordinary profits when the firm is doing well.
B) Preference dividends can be omitted for one or more years.
C) Preference shares are an alternative shock absorber to ordinary shares because of the
possibility of avoiding the annual cash outflow due on dividends.
D) Preference shares are an additional source of capital but do not dilute the influence of the
ordinary shareholders on the firm’s direction.

16) Which two of the following accurately describe the tax situation regarding preference shares? 16) ______
A) Tax on preference shares is applied on the basis of gross profits.
B) There is an overall tax disincentive to issue preference shares.
C) Tax is payable on the firm's profit before the deduction of the preference dividend.
D) The dividend is regarded as an appropriation of profits.
17) Which of the following is a major disadvantage to the firm of preference share capital? 17) ______
A) Tax is not payable on the firm’s profit before the deduction of the preference dividend.
B) The cost to the company is lower than is available through bond issues.
C) There are limits to safe levels of borrowing.
D) The higher risk causes preference shareholders to demand a higher level of return than
debt holders.

18) Which three of the following are types of preference share? 18) ______
A) Authorised B) Convertible C) Cumulative D) Participating

19) Which of the various UK exchanges is the least heavily regulated? 19) ______
A) OL B) techMARK C) AIM D) PLUS

20) Which of the various UK exchanges is the most heavily regulated? 20) ______
A) AIM B) OL C) techMARK D) PLUS

21) Which organisation regulates the trading of equities, gilts, and preference shares. 21) ______
A) The Official List B) The London Stock Exchange
C) The Exchequer D) The Bank of England

22) If a large company like BT wanted to raise further finance by selling shares to investors, where 22) ______
would they be most likely to offer the shares?
A) In the primary market of the London Stock Exchange
B) In the Alternative Investment Market
C) In the secondary market of the London Stock Exchange
D) In techMARK

23) The tasks below must be carried out in relation to a new equity issue. Which of them is 23) ______
performed by sub-underwriters?
A) Set out to purchase all the shares offered by the company to the market and then sell those
shares to institutional investors for a higher price
B) Insure the sponsor and broker in a new issue against a negligence claim
C) Examine the documentation presented to the investing public to confirm its veracity
D) Agree to purchase a parcel of those shares not taken up by the general investing public

24) Which three of the following are requirements for a company that wants to float on the Official 24) ______
List?
A) A prospectus
B) Predictions for the first five years’ accounts
C) 25 per cent of share capital in public hands
D) A sponsor; a corporate broker, and a registrar

25) Which of the following is a key outcome for directors of companies that have obtained full 25) ______
listing?
A) They have far greater freedom to borrow funds.
B) Their room for discretion regarding dividend payments is restricted.
C) Listing increases the company's cash flow.
D) They have far greater freedom to pay dividends.

26) Companies need expert guidance through the issuing process. What organisations provide this? 26) ______
A) Sponsors B) FSAs C) Accountants D) Brokers
27) Which three of the following are key roles of the broker during the issuing process? 27) ______
A) To offer knowledge about the stock market
B) To generate investor interest
C) To maintain an interest post-flotation
D) To promise to buy a parcel of unbought shares

28) Which three of the following are tasks that a firm must carry out after the issuing process (or 28) ______
explain the annual reports)?
A) To issue annual financial statements
B) To disclose dealing by Directors in company shares
C) To disclose price-sensitive information promptly
D) To ensure fair pricing of shares

29) What is the key factor that distinguishes an offer for sale from an offer for subscription? 29) ______
A) An offer for subscription is only made through intermediaries.
B) An offer for subscription is always at a lower price.
C) An offer for subscription is only made to existing shareholders.
D) An offer for subscription is only partially underwritten.

30) To decide a price for a future issue, and the allocation of shares, financial advisers may contact 30) ______
major investors and ask them to place bids over a period of a few days. What term is used for
this approach?
A) Book building B) Limit bidding
C) Reverse takeover D) Strike bidding

31) What is meant by the term ‘rights issue’? 31) ______

A) An invitation to new shareholders to purchase additional shares in the company
B) The issue of a document clarifying investor’s right
C) An invitation to existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in the company
D) An issue of shares specifically aimed at new investors

32) What is the theoretical ex-rights price? 32) ______

A) The mean price of the existing shares and their historic values
B) The weighted average of the price of the existing shares and the new shares
C) The weighted average of the price of the existing shares and their historic values
D) The mean price of the existing shares and the new shares

33) How is the value of a right on a new share calculated during a rights issue? 33) ______
A) Theoretical market value of share ex-rights - subscription price
B) Actual market value of share ex-rights - actual market value
C) Theoretical market value of share ex-rights - actual market value
D) Actual market value of share ex-rights - subscription price

34) Assuming that there is no change in the share price during a rights issue, how is shareholder 34) ______
value affected by the issue?
A) It does not change. B) It decreases.
C) It increases. D) The change is unpredictable.

35) What is meant by ‘vendor placing’? 35) ______

A) Issuing preference shares for sale to financial advisers
B) Giving shares in exchange for a business
 C) Giving shares to potential suppliers
D) Issuing shares for sale only through financial advisers

36) What are ‘placings’? 36) ______

A) Preference shares aimed at existing investors
B) Ordinary shares aimed at existing investors
C) New shares aimed at a new investors
D) New shares sold directly to a group of external investors

37) An investor wants a tax-efficient vehicle for investing in small unquoted firms . The investor also 37) ______
wants to reduce risk by pooling the investment with others. Which approach is most suitable?
A) Invest in a Venture Capital Trust
B) Invest in the Enterprising Investment Market
C) Become a Business Angel
D) Invest in the Alternative Investment Market

38) Which of the following is the most suitable source of finance for high-growth-potential unquoted 38) ______
firms, who require amounts of around £5m?
A) Alternative Investment Market B) A Business Angel
C) Enterprise Trust D) Venture Capital Trust

39) Which three statements link to explain the meaning of the term 'financing gap'? 39) ______
A) Rapidly growing medium sized companies can easily access stock market funds.
B) Small companies tend to rely on retained earnings and bank loans.
C) The stock market is able to adjust its operations to suit a wide range of companies seeking
funds.
D) Only mature companies can generally access debt or equity capital through capital
markets.

40) A firm's current share price is £4. It has 50m shares in issue and plans to sell a further 10m shares 40) ______
in a 1 for 5 rights issue at a price of £3 per share. What is the ex-rights price?
A) £3.50 B) £3.53 C) £3.83 D) £4.83

41) An investor does not have the cash to buy shares in a 5 for 1 rights issue. The theoretical value of 41) ______
the share ex-rights is £3.20, and the subscription price is £3. What is the value of a right on one
share?
A) 100p B) 15p C) 20p D) 4p

42) Which three of the following are arguments for joining a stock exchange? 42) ______
A) City is short-termist B) Access to new capital for growth
C) Liquidity for existing shareholders D) Discipline on management to perform

43) Which three of the following are arguments against joining a stock exchange. 43) ______
A) The City does not understand entrepreneurs.
B) There is increased customer recognition.
C) Dealing with 'City' folk is time consuming.
D) There is an excessive focus on return on capital.
 1) C
2) A
3) B, C, D
4) B, C
5) C, D
6) A, D
7) C, D
8) B
9) B
10) D
11) D
12) A, C, D
13) A, B
14) A, B, C
15) B, C, D
16) C, D
17) D
18) B, C, D
19) D
20) B
21) B
22) A
23) D
24) A, C, D
25) B
26) A
27) A, B, C
28) A, B, C
29) D
30) A
31) C
32) B
33) A
34) A
35) B
36) D
37) A
38) D
39) A, B, D
40) C
41) D
42) B, C, D
43) A, C, D
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 Slaves—a male slave is worth in Cashna, from 3l. 10s. to 5l.—a
female slave is worth two-thirds of the amount, or from 2l. 6s. 8d. to
3l. 6s. 8d.
Cotton Cloths—of various colours, principally blue and white, of
which in the Empire of Cashna, and in the Negro States to the South
of the Niger, great quantities are made:
Goat Skins—dyed red or yellow,
Ox and Buffalo Hides—for tents,
Senna from Agadez—a province of the Cashna Empire; the
Agadez senna is worth at Tripoli, from fourteen to fifteen mahaboobs
(4l. 4s. to 4l. 10s. sterling) per hundred weight; that which the
Fezzanners obtain at Tibesti is only worth per hundred weight, from
nine to ten mahaboobs, or from 2l. 14s. to 3l. sterling.
Civet.

To such of the various nations inhabiting the Country on the

South of the Niger as they are accustomed to visit, the Merchants of
Fezzan convey the following articles:
Sabre Blades,
Dutch Knives,
Carpets,
Coral,
Beads,
Looking-Glasses,
Brass,
Imperial Dollars,
Civet.
In return the Merchants receive—
Gold Dust,
Slaves,
 Cotton Cloths—of various colours.
Goat Skins—red and yellow.
Ox and Buffalo Hides,
Gooroo Nuts—for sale in Cashna, Bornou, and Fezzan, where they
are purchased at the rate of 12s. for one hundred pods:
Cowries—for sale in Cashna.
Ivory, though very common in the country to the South of the
Niger, is not considered by the Merchants of Fezzan, as an article of
profitable transport, the demand for it on the Coast being such as
induces them to sell to the Negros who traffic there, the teeth which
in the course of their journey, they often find in the woods.[34]
Such are the principal branches of the extensive commerce of the
Merchants of Fezzan; from a view of which it appears, that, vast as
their concerns are, they have little communication with any of the
States that are situated to the West of the Empire of Cashna; a
circumstance which the Shereef ascribes to the want of a proper
conveyance for their goods; for the country on the West of Cashna
furnishes but few camels, and even horses and mules are singularly
scarce and dear.
 C H A P T E R X.

Rout from Mourzouk to Grand Cairo, according to Hadgee Abdalah

Benmileitan, the present Governor of Mesurata.

PLACED in a situation which affords an easy intercourse with the

Mediterranean, and therefore with the States of Europe, on the one
hand, and on the other with the extensive Empires of Bornou and
Cashna, the dominions of Tombuctou, and the various nations of
Negros to the South of the Niger, the Merchants of Fezzan are
happily possessed of the farther advantage of communicating by a
safe and comparatively commodious passage with the Cities of
Grand Cairo and of Mecca. A pilgrimage to the latter, the object,
from time immemorial, of veneration in Arabia, is prescribed to every
Musselman; and though the greatest part of the believers in
Mahomet, deterred by distance, or restrained by the avocations of
business and the feelings of domestic attachment, content
themselves with imperfect resolutions of performing at some future
period this arduous journey, yet there are persons, even from the
innermost recesses of Africa, who think, that a positive injunction of
their faith is too solemn for excuses, and too momentous for delay.
Prompted by this urgent consideration, or allured by the honourable
distinction which attends upon the title of Hadgee, the envied
appellation of those who have visited the sacred Temple, a number
of the faithful from the Empires of Bornou and Cashna, from the
extensive kingdom of Caffaba, and from several of the Negro States,
resort to Fezzan, and proceed from thence, with the caravan, which
in the Autumn of every second or third year takes its departure for
Mecca. The caravan, which seldom consists of less than one
hundred, or of more than three hundred Travellers, assembles at
Mourzouk, and begins its journey in the last week of October, or in
the first of the succeeding month.
Temissa, a town in the dominions of Fezzan, and situated to the
East North East of Mourzouk, receives them at the close of the
seventh day; and in two days more, of easy travelling, they arrive at
a lofty mountain, rocky, uninhabited, and barren, of the name of
Xanibba. Having recruited their goat-skin bags from the only well
which these sullen heights afford, they descend to a vast and dreary
desart, whose hilly surface, for four successive days, presents
nothing to the eye but one continued extent of black and naked
rock; to which, for three days more, the equally barren view of a soft
and sandy stone succeeds. Through all this wide expanse of varied
nakedness no trace of animal or vegetable life, not even the desart
thorn, is seen. On the eighth day, the vast mountain of Ziltan, the
rugged sides of which are marked with scanty spots of brushwood,
and are enriched with stores of water, increases the labour of the
journey. Four days are devoted to the toils of this stupendous
passage; four others are employed in crossing the sultry plain that
stretches its barren sands from the foot of the mountain to the
verdant heights of Sibbeel, where the wells of water and the
chearing view of multitudes of antelopes suspend their fatigues, and
anticipate the refreshments that await them on the next evening; for
the close of the following day conducts them to the town of Augéla.
From that place, which is subject to Tripoli, and is famed for the
abundance and excellent flavour of its dates, they proceed in one
day to the little village of Gui Xarrah; another brings them to the
long ascent of the broad mountain of Gerdóbah, from whose
inflexible barrenness the Traveller, in the course of a five days
passage, can only collect a scanty supply of unpalatable water.
Descending from these mournful highlands, he enters the narrow
plain of Gegabib, sandy and uninhabited, yet fertile in dates, which
the people of Duna (a town dependant on Tripoli, and situated on
the Coast at the distance of eight days journey from Gegabib)
annually gather.
 From this scene of gladsome contrast to the inveterate rocks of
Gerdóbah, a three days march conducts the caravan to another
desolate mountain of the name of Buselema, that furnishes only
water; and in three days more they enter the dominions of the
independent Republic of See-wah.
Governed by a Council of six or eight Elders, whose lasting
dissentions divide the opinions and distract the allegiance of the
people, this unfortunate State is constantly involved in the miseries
of intestine war. Its chief produce is the date tree; for the lands,
though not destitute of water, furnish but little corn.
From See-wah, the capital, the caravan proceeds in a single day
to the miserable village of Umseguér, which is one of the
dependencies of the State, and is situated at the foot of the
mountainous Desart of Le Mágra, where, in the long course of a
seven days passage, the Traveller is scarcely sensible that a few
spots of thin and meagre brushwood slightly interrupt the vast
expanse of sterility, and diminish the amplitude of desolation. The
eighth day terminates with his arrival at the hill of Huaddy L’Ottrón,
which is distinguished by a small convent, of three Christian Monks,
who reside there under the protection of Cairo, and to whose
hospitable entertainment the Traveller is largely indebted. Buildings,
surrounded with high walls, and erected in the neighbourhood of the
convent, are opened for his reception; and for three successive days,
if he chuses to be their guest so long, his wants, as far as their
means extend, are chearfully and liberally supplied.
Their garden, in which is a well of excellent and never-failing
water, affords an ample store of vegetables of various kinds; the
maintenance of a few sheep is furnished by an adjoining pasture;
and they raise, without difficulty, a numerous breed of fowls. All
other articles, except their bread, which they manufacture
themselves, they receive from Cairo.
Respected by the Arabs, who revere their hospitality more than
they hate their religion, these venerable men are apparently secure.
—Yet as too much confidence might invite the meanest plunderers to
invade their peaceful dwelling, they have cautiously guarded their
convent by a separate and lofty inclosure from an opening in which a
ladder of ropes furnishes the means of descent.
Leaving this hospitable hill with such refreshments as the
generous Fathers could supply, the caravan continues its course, and
on the fifth day arrives at the City of Cairo, from whence, at the
usual season, it proceeds by the customary rout to Mecca.
 C H A P T E R XI.

Conclusions suggested by the preceding Narrative.

FROM the perusal of the preceding account, the Society are enabled
to judge of the credit which it deserves, and of the value of the
information which it offers. If the evidence of its truth should be
thought insufficient, they will keep their minds in suspence till
Narratives of more confirmed authenticity shall disprove or establish
the relation. But if they should think that the Shereef’s account of
Bornou and of the Niger is too strongly supported by the
corresponding description of Ben Alli, to leave a suspicion of its
falsehood; and that the fidelity of this part of his Narrative warrants
the belief of whatever else is equally described on the authority of
his personal knowledge, then they will feel that conclusions of an
important and interesting nature result from the various, though
imperfect intelligence which he has furnished.
The present state of the Empire of Bornou, compared with its
condition when Leo Africanus, who wrote his account in the year
1526, was its visitor, exhibits an interesting proof of the
advancement of the Mahometan Faith, and of the progress of
imperfect civilization.[35] A savage nakedness, or the rude covering
which the skins of beasts afford, are now relinquished, for the
decency and convenience of a dress of cotton manufacture.
Tempered by the courtesy of commerce, and the conciliating
interchange of important benefits, the antient barbarism of the
people is softened to habits of kindness; and, in the minds of the
greatest part, the absurd superstitions of Paganism have given place
to the natural and sublime idea of the Unity of God.
 From the account of the nations to the South of the Niger, it
appears, that, among the Mahometan Blacks, the sternness of the
Musselman is softened by the mildness of the Negro; and that if the
zeal of the invader be not inflamed by the value of the captive, the
propagation of the faith is seldom considered as a reason or pretext
for war.
Perhaps the attention of the Philosopher may be engaged by the
use to which the small shells of the Maldive Islands are equally
applied by the inhabitants of Cashna, and by the natives of Bengal.
Sameness of opinion, or resemblance of conduct, when founded in
natural feeling, or a similar state of society, are seen without wonder
in nations unconnected and remote; but that a custom so arbitrary
and artificial as that of employing Cowries as a substitute for coin, a
custom which instinct could not have produced, and chance could
scarcely have occasioned, should equally prevail among the Negros
of Africa and the natives of Bengal, may justly be deemed a curious
and interesting phenomenon.
To the British Traveller, a desire of exchanging the usual
excursion from Calais to Naples, for a Tour more extended and
important, and of passing from scenes with which all are acquainted,
to researches in which every object is new, and each step is
discovery, may recommend the Kingdom of Fezzan. If Antiquities be
his favourite pursuit, the ruins which shadow the cottages of Jermah
and of Temissa, promise an ample gratification: or if the study of
Nature be his wish, the expansive scenes and numerous productions
of that uninvestigated soil may equally promote his entertainment
and his knowledge. But if a spirit of more adventurous research
should induce him to travel with the Merchants of Fezzan,
discoveries of superior value may distinguish and reward his toil. The
powerful Empires of Bornou and Cashna will be open to his
investigation; the luxurious City of Tombuctou, whose opulence and
severe police attract the Merchants of the most distant States of
Africa, will unfold to him the causes of her vast prosperity; the
mysterious Niger will disclose her unknown original and doubtful
termination; and countries unveiled to antient or modern research
will become familiar to his view. Or should he be willing to join the
Cairo Caravan, the discovery of the antient scite, and of whatever
else may remain of the Temple of Jupiter Ammon, may perhaps be
attempted with success: for the same causes which gave birth to the
springs, and, by their means, to the luxuriant vegetation of the
antient domains of the Temple, must still continue to distinguish the
fortunate soil; and there seems no reason to doubt that the
hospitable convent of Huaddy L’Ottrón, or the neighbouring Republic
of See-wah, will not only furnish a place of convenient departure and
of easy retreat, but will also supply the requisite information, and
the necessary aid. At this time, an Interpreter, who is equally
acquainted with Arabic and English, may be found in London; and,
at all times, the Cities of Tripoli, of Tunis, and of Ceuta, afford a
number of Mahometans who are almost as conversant with the
Italian or the Spanish, as with the Arabic, their native language.
But of all the advantages to which a better acquaintance with the
Inland Regions of Africa may lead, the first in importance is, the
extension of the Commerce, and the encouragement of the
Manufactures of Britain. That fire-arms are in request with all
nations, civilized and savage, who have the means of obtaining
them, experience uniformly proves; and we now learn, that to the
jealousy which the Princes on the Southern Coast entertain of the
powerful Interior States, and to the total neglect of all opportunities
of opening, from more favourable quarters, an immediate
communication with the inland country, it is owing that the sale of
one of the most profitable manufactures of Great Britain is still in a
great measure confined to the scanty Tribes which inhabit the shores
of the Atlantic. From the same information we are also led to
conclude, that the anxious policy which prohibits the conveyance of
fire-arms to the Inland Tribes, dictates, as a necessary caution, the
severest restraints on the transit of other merchandize. But if, on the
system of the Moors, the effect of which has been tried too long for
its wisdom to be disputed, associations of Englishmen should form
caravans, and take their departure from the highest navigable
reaches of the Gambia, or from the settlement which is lately
established at Sierra Leona, there is reason to believe, that countries
new to the fabrics of England, and probably inhabited by more than
a hundred millions of people, may be gradually opened to her trade.
On this system, much greater would be their profits than those
which the Merchants of Fezzan receive; for they would reach, by a
journey of 700 miles from their vessels, the same markets to which
a land-carriage of 3000 conveys from the Mediterranean the goods
of the Fezzanners; and they would also possess the farther
advantage of obtaining at prime cost, the same articles for which the
Merchants of Fezzan are subjected to the complicated disadvantages
of a high price, of an inferior quality, and of the varying exactions
that the despotic Governments of Barbary impose. Now if it be
considered, that notwithstanding the vast expence of land-carriage,
and of an exorbitant price on the purchase of the articles which they
sell, the Traders of Fezzan are still enabled to collect a profit that
upholds and encourages their commerce, it must be evident, that
the gain which the Merchants of England would derive from a similar
traffic, conducted as is here proposed, would be such as few
commercial adventures have ever been found to yield. That no
difficulties will attend the execution of the Plan, the general history
of new undertakings forbids us to believe; but as far as the climate
and religion of the Negros are in question, there seems to be little
discouragement; for the long descent of the rivers is a proof that the
elevation of the inland country is raised above the level of the coast
and consequently that the climate is much more temperate, and
probably more salubrious: and while the Narrative of the Shereef
announces that the Merchant is considered by the Negro as the
general friend of Mankind, common experience convincingly shews
that, in the judgement of the Pagan, the Crescent and the Cross are
objects of equal indifference; and that the comparative welcome of
the Musselman and of the Christian depends on their Merchandize
rather than their Creed.
As little discouragement is suggested by a view of the
purchasable goods of which the natives are possessed; for,
independently of their cotton, which in all the interior nations is
described as of common manufacture, and therefore as of general
growth, their mines of gold (the improveable possession of many of
the Inland States) will furnish, to an unknown, and probably
boundless extent, an article that commands, in all the markets of the
civilized world, a constant and unlimited sale.
Such are the important objects of mercantile pursuit, which the
various intelligence obtained by the first efforts of the Association,
enables them to point out and recommend to their Country: and
while the contemplation of national interests, and of the still more
extended interests of philosophy, directs their efforts and animates
their hopes, they cannot be indifferent to the reflection, that in the
pursuit of these advantages, and by means as peaceable as the
purposes are just, the conveniencies of civil life, the benefits of the
mechanic and manufacturing arts, the attainments of science, the
energies of the cultivated mind, and the elevation of the human
character, may in some degree be imparted to nations hitherto
consigned to hopeless barbarism and uniform contempt.
 F OR the following Memoir, and for the Map which it describes,
the Society are indebted to the eminent talents and ardent zeal in
the Promotion of Geographical Improvement that distinguish the
character of M a j o r R e n n e l l .
 C H A P T E R XII.

Construction of the Map of Africa.

THAT the Geography of Africa has made a slower progress towards

improvement than that of every other part of the world, during the
last, and the present century, is to be attributed more to natural
causes, than to any absolute want of attention on the part of
Geographers. Formed by the Creator, with a contour and surface
totally unlike the other Continents, its interior parts elude all nautic
research; whilst the wars and commerce in which Europeans have
taken part, have been confined to very circumscribed parts of its
borders. These most productive means of geographical information
failing, the next resource is to collect materials from the best
informed amongst the travelled natives: I say natives, because the
generality of European Travellers reckon upon some degree of
solace, as well as the gratification of curiosity, during their
peregrinations: not to mention, that it is more the practice to see
what has been already seen, than to strike into a new path, and
dare to contemplate an unfashionable subject. To the lovers of
adventure and novelty, Africa displays a most ample field: but the
qualification of local manners, and, in some degree, of habits, must
in this case, be superadded to that of language: and this,
unquestionably, renders the undertaking more arduous than that of
an ordinary Tour. But the Adventurer in quest of fame, will readily
appreciate the degrees of glory attendant on each pursuit.
The 18th century has smiled propitiously on the Science of
G e o g r a p h y throughout the globe; and an Englishman may be
allowed to pride himself that his countrymen have had their full
share of the glory attending this, and other kinds of researches
tending to increase the general stock of knowledge. It is to this spirit
that we are to attribute the acquisition of the materials which form
the subject of the present Work. It is no less to this spirit that we
are indebted for the progressive improvements in the North-
American and Asiatic Geography: our systems embracing objects far
superior to the limited views with which Geographical Surveys are
ordinarily undertaken: not the topography of townships, districts,
counties; but the Geography of Empires, Regions, and Continents!
As both E u r o p e , and its adjacent Continent, A s i a , are spread
over with inland seas, lakes, or rivers of the most extended
navigations, so as collectively to aid the transport of bulky articles of
merchandize from one extreme of them to the other; and to form
(like stepping-stones over a brook) a more commodious
communication: so likewise the northern part of the new Continent
appears to have an almost continuous Inland Navigation, which must
prove of infinite advantage to the inhabitants, when fully peopled;
and contribute to their speedier civilization, in the mean time. But
Africa stands alone in a geographical view! Penetrated by no inland
seas, like the Mediterranean, Baltic, or Hudson’s Bay; nor overspread
with extensive lakes, like those of North America; nor having in
common with the other Continents, rivers running from the center to
the extremities: but, on the contrary, its regions separated from each
other by the least practicable of all boundaries, arid Desarts of such
formidable extent, as to threaten those who traverse them, with the
most horrible of all deaths, that arising from thirst! Placed in such
circumstances, can we be surprised either at our ignorance of its
Interior Parts, or of the tardy progress of civilization in it? Possibly,
the difficulty of conveying merchandize to the coasts, under the
above circumstances, may have given rise to the traffic in men, a
commodity that can transport itself! But laying this out of the
question, as an abstract speculation, there can be little doubt but
that the progress of civilization amongst the Africans has been as
slow as can be conceived, in any situation: and it has also
happened, of course, that the destined Instruments of their
civilization have remained in a proportional degree of ignorance
concerning the nature of the country.
Nothing can evince the low state of the African Geography, more
than M. D’Anville’s having had recourse to the Works of P to lo m y and
E d r i s i , to compose the Interior Part of his Map of Africa (1749.) It is
well known, that those Authors wrote in the second and in the
twelfth centuries of our æra. Most of the positions in the Inland Part
of the great body of Africa are derived from E d r i s i ; and it is
wonderful how nearly some of the positions agree with those
furnished by the present materials. Such was the transcendant
judgement of D’Anville in combining the scanty notices that are
furnished by the Nubian Geographer!
But the Public are not to expect, even under an improved system
of African Geography, that the Interior Part of that Continent will
exhibit an aspect similar to the others; rich in variety; each region
assuming a distinct character. On the contrary, it will be meagre and
vacant in the extreme. The dreary expanses of desart which often
surround the habitable spots, forbid the appearance of the usual
proportion of towns; and the paucity of rivers, added to their being
either absorbed or evaporated, instead of being conducted in flowing
lines to the ocean, will give a singular cast to its hydrography; the
direction of their courses being, moreover, equivocal, through the
want of that information, which a communication with the sea
usually affords at a glance. Little as the Antients knew of the Interior
Part of Africa, they appear to have understood the character of its
surface; one of them comparing it to a leopard’s skin. Swift also,
who loses no opportunity of being witty at the expence of
mathematicians, diverts himself and his readers both with the
nakedness of the land, and the absurdity of the map-makers.

“Geographers, in Afric maps,

With savage pictures fill their gaps,
And o’er unhabitable downs
Place elephants, for want of towns.”
 The Society for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of
Africa has been fortunate in collecting much geographical
information, in so early a stage of the African researches; and there
is little doubt but that in a few years all the great features of this
Continent (within the reach of their enquiries) may be known and
described. But to accomplish this, it will be necessary that intelligent
Europeans should trace some of the principal routes; as well to
apportion the distances, as to establish some kind of criterion for the
parole information derived from the natives. As yet, in the wide
extent of near thirty degrees on a meridian, between B e n i n and
T r i p o l i , not one celestial observation has been taken, to determine
the latitude.
But as far as materials composed by a scale founded on
estimated distances (that is, days journeys of caravans) may go
towards the establishment of geographical positions, the itineraries
made use of for constructing the new matter in the accompanying
map, are less discordant than might be expected in so wide an
expanse, and on the foundation of rules so vague as those which
necessity has compelled me to apply. On this, however, the Reader
must exercise his own judgement, after the following exposition of
the data, and the rules by which I have determined the scale.
It will easily be conceived by the Reader, that all roads, except
such as are made through a country, in which the public works are in
the highest state of improvement, and where also the face of it is
perfectly level (the curvature of the earth excepted) must have some
degree of inflexion, both horizontally and vertically; and either of
these will occasion a Traveller to trace a line of greater length by the
road, than can be measured on a straight line, drawn from the point
of commencement, to that of the termination of his journey. The
quantity of the difference must vary with the nature of the country;
but in ordinary cases, still more with the extent of the line of
distance: for a different ratio between the road distance and
horizontal distance must obtain, as the line of distance is increased.
Let it be admitted, that in stages of ten or twelve miles, the winding
of the road occasions a loss of only one-tenth part, which may be
termed the simple winding: yet as the different stages in an extent
of 100 or 150 miles, do not lie in a straight line, drawn through the
whole extent, but often very far to the right and left of it, a
compound winding arises: and I have found by long experience, that
one mile in eight must be deducted, to reduce the road measure, on
such a length, to horizontal measure. When a line of distance is
extended to 500 miles and upwards, the rule becomes much more
vague than when applied to moderate distances; because it often
happens (and more particularly in unimproved countries) that
obstacles present themselves, and give an entire new direction to
the course of the road; although the two parts of it, considered
separately, may have only an ordinary degree of crookedness.
However, as some of the lines of distance applied to the present
subject, are from thirty to forty days journey, it becomes necessary
that some general rules should be adopted. It happens that
examples are furnished, in two cases, on very long journies, where
the real distances between the terminating points of the routes are
nearly known: such is that of fifty-three days journey, between the
Capital of Fezzan and Cairo; and the mean horizontal distance for
each day, is fourteen and a half geographic miles, or those of sixty
to a degree. I confess I should have expected much less. The other
example is between Arguin and Gallam: there forty days produce
thirteen miles for each day; and this is conformable to my
expectations. In the examples of small distances, such as six days
journey, sixteen miles per day is the result, and is consistent. For a
caravan journey, taken at twenty-two British miles of road distance,
will produce, when the allowance for winding is deducted, and the
remainder reduced to geographic miles, about sixteen and a half
such miles for a single day.
The following are the proportions which I have established, for
the application of a scale, to the different degrees of distance.
For one day, sixteen miles and a half; for seventeen to twenty-
five days, fifteen miles; for forty to fifty days, thirteen miles. These
numbers are particularly selected, because they occurred in the
course of the Work. The Reader will be pleased to observe, that the
miles spoken of in the construction, are always those of sixty to a
degree of a great circle. However tedious this investigation may
appear to the generality of readers, it is absolutely necessary; as it is
the hinge upon which the whole turns: and a neglect of attention to
this particular subject, would warrant the Reader’s taking the whole
for granted, without further examination.
Mr. B e a u f oy having given, from the materials in his possession,
so full an account of each road and country, nothing remains for me
to do, but simply to describe, from the same materials, the mode of
fixing the principal positions, in the Map. As the object of it is to
exhibit the new matter only, care has been taken to exclude all that
has already appeared, except what was absolutely necessary
towards explaining the other: and as the borrowed particulars are
distinguished from the rest, the Reader cannot be mistaken. The
outline of the great body of Africa, together with the courses of the
Nile, Gambia, Senegal, and Wad-drah, are copied from Mr. D’Anville.
Fezzan (or rather its capital, Mourzouk) is given in the Itineraries
at the distance of seventeen days and half from Mesurata. These,
taken at fifteen miles per day, produce two hundred and sixty-two
miles. The bearing is said to be South from Mourzouk; and this latter
is placed according to D’Anville. Mourzouk, then, falls in latitude 27°
20′.
Agadez, the next principal station, is, at a medium forty-one days
from Mourzouk, on a South West course, or thereabouts: and these,
at thirteen miles per day, produce four hundred and fifty-five miles;
and place Agadez in latitude 20° 20′; and nearly in the meridian of
Tripoli. Agadez is the Agadost of Edrisi.
From Agadez to Cashna is seventeen days; which, at fifteen miles
per day, give a distance of two hundred and fifty-five miles. The
bearing is said to be South South West. Cashna, then, will stand in
or about the latitude of 16° 20′ North, and about a degree and half
West from Tripoli.
 D’Anville’s Casseenah (undoubtedly meant for Cashna) is placed
about thirty-seven miles to the North West of the position assumed
in the accompanying Map; whence I consider mine as a near
approximation, especially as the distance from Mesurata is upwards
of nine hundred and seventy miles.
Cashna may be regarded as the central kingdom of the great
body of Africa; and as a part of the region named S o u d a n , of which
at present but few particulars are known.
Ghanah, or Ghinnah, is placed, in respect of Cashna, according to
M. D’Anville’s Map. It does not appear whether he had any authority
for placing it ninety miles to the North East of Cashna: but its
position, in respect of the City of Nuabia, (antiently Meroé, on the
Nile) is on the authority of Edrisi. This Author also allows twelve
days between Agadez and Ghanah: and by my construction, they are
two hundred and eight miles asunder. See Geog. Nubiensis, p. 39.
Ghanah was in the twelfth century a city of the first consequence.
Wangara and Kanem, were also known to Edrisi.
The river known to Europeans by the name of N i g e r , runs on the
South of the kingdom of Cashna, in its course towards Tombuctou;
and if the report which Ben Alli heard in that town, may be credited,
it is afterwards lost in the sands on the South of the country of
Tombuctou. In the Map, only the known part of its course is marked
by a line; and the suppositious part by dots. It may be proper to
observe, that the Africans have two names for this river; that is,
N e e l i l A b e e d , or R i v e r o f t h e N e g r o s ; and N e e l i l K i b e e r , or t h e
G r e at R i v e r . They also term the N i l e , (that is, the Egyptian River)
N e e l S h e m : so that the term N e e l , from whence our N i l e , is nothing
more than the appellative of River; like G a n g e s , or S i n d e .
From Cashna the road leads Westward to the Kingdom of
G o n j a h , ninety-seven days journey from the former. Gonjah, is, from
circumstances, the Conche of M. D’Anville, and the Gonge of M.
Delisle; and the similitude of names, however great, is the least
proof it: for the Itinerary of the S h e r e e f I m h a m m e d says, that
eighteen or twenty days from Gonjah, towards the North West (or
between the West and North) lies the Country of Y a r b a : and eight
days farther West, that of A f f o w . Now the countries of Y a r r a and
Y a f f o n , will be found in Delisle’s Map of Senegal (1726), nearly in
the position that Yarba and Affow take in respect of Gonjah;
supposing D’Anville’s Conche to be meant for it. It is extremely
difficult to assign a ratio for the decrease of the horizontal distance,
on so extended a line as ninety-seven days journey; and therefore it
would be losing time to attempt it. Gonjah, by circumstances, is
about eight hundred and seventy miles from Cashna, which allows
only nine miles for each day. I therefore conclude that the road is
very circuitous.
Gonjah is reported by the Shereef to be forty-six days journey
from the Coast of Guinea, to which the Christians trade. It is
probable that the Gold Coast is the part meant, and that may be
taken at five hundred and thirty miles from D’Anville’s Conché. The
ratio, at thirteen per day, would give near six hundred. Here again, it
would be losing of time, to reason on such a point of uncertainty,
since neither of the extreme points of the line of distance are
correctly known. The Reader must therefore determine for himself.
Of this space of forty-six days travelling, from Gonjah towards the
Coast, the Shereef had travelled only the first ten days, to the City of
Kalanshee, a dependency of the Kingdom of Tounouwah; the capital
of which, according to his report, is A ss e n ta i (the Assianté of
D’Anville) situated midway between Kalanshee and the sea coast:
that is, eighteen days journey from each. The Shereef also reports,
that there is no communication between this coast (which we may
suppose to be the Gold Coast) and the country of Gonjah: for that
the King of Assentai, who possesses the space between, prohibits
his Inland Neighbours from passing through his country.
But Mr. N o r r i s , a gentleman who resided many years in Whydah,
&c. reports differently: for he says, that there are other States, (that
is, the Fantees, and their confederates) lying between Assentai and
the sea; and that the Assentais have often attempted, but without
success, to open a communication with the Coast.
 To return to the route from Cashna to Gonjah. There are
between them some extensive kingdoms or states, most of which
appear to preserve their antient religion. I have generally marked
the progress of the Mahomedan Religion, by a crescent; and the
Caffre States by an arbitrary mark of a different kind.
It will appear by a slight inspection of the Map, that the
Mahomedan Religion, as far as respects the Interior Part of the
Country, has spread southward, to about the parallel of twelve
degrees of North latitude. Probably though, in some of those
countries where the Court religion is Mahomedan, the bulk of the
people may profess the antient religion.
T o m b u c to u , is placed on the following authorities: First, Mr.
M at r a , the British Consul in the dominions of Morocco, says, on the
authority of the natives, that Tombuctou is fifty days caravan
travelling from T atta h , a place situated on the common frontiers of
Morocco, Drah, and Zenhaga; and in the route from Morocco, and
Suz, to Tombuctou. Tattah is ascertained in position, by a route of
Ben Alli’s. He found it to be nine days and half from Morocco, and
one day short of a station on the Wad-drah (or Drah River) which
station was four days, or sixty-six miles lower down than Tinjuleen, a
place in D’Anville’s and Delisle’s Maps of Africa. It was also twelve
days journey from the City of Nun or Non, which city by Ben Alli’s
account, is two days from the sea coast; and well known to be
opposite to the Cape of the same name. These authorities enable us
to place Tattah one hundred and seventy miles South South East
from Morocco. Then, fifty days from Tattah to Tombuctou, at thirteen
each day, produces six hundred and fifty miles. By Ben Alli’s report,
Tombuctou is forty-eight days from the capital of Sultan Fullan, lying
within the district of Gallam, on the River Senegal. The position of
this place is not known to me; but by circumstances it must be near
the river: and in using materials of so coarse a kind, trifles must not
be regarded. Forty-eight days at thirteen each day, produce six
hundred and twenty miles; and this line of distance meets that from
Tattah, in latitude 19°. 40′. and nearly midway between Gallam and
Cashna. In this position, it falls only twenty-eight miles to the North
West of D’Anville’s Tombuctou.
It appears that most of the road from Tattah to Tombuctou, lies
across the vast Desart, commonly known by the name of Z a h a r a , or
properly, T h e D e s a rt . Geography is at present, very bare of
particulars, in this quarter. Ben Alli went from Tombuctou, direct to
Fezzan, skirting the South East border of this great Desart. He
reckoned only sixty-four days between Tombuctou and Fezzan,
which at twelve miles and half per day, produce only eight hundred
miles. The interval on the Map is nine hundred and seventy. Reason,
however, points out, that the distance from the nearest place,
Gallam, ought to be preferred. And as it is understood, that Agadez
and Tombuctou are about fifty-five days asunder, it appears yet more
probable that the interval between Fezzan and Tombuctou, ought
not to be reduced. It must be recollected, that Ben Alli’s
Communications were given from memory, after an interval of
twenty years.
The point of the next importance, is Bornou, the capital of an
extensive kingdom situated on the South East of Fezzan, and
between the two N e e l s or N i l e s ; that of Egypt, and that of the
Negros.
Bornou, is given by the Shereef, at about fifty days from
Mourzouk (or Fezzan) which may be taken at six hundred and fifty
miles. He also reports that it is twenty-five days journey from the
course of the Nile, where it passes the country of Sennar; or in
distance about three hundred and sixty miles. This would place
Bornou in a direction of South East, somewhat southwardly, from
Mourzouk; and about the parallel of 19° 40′. It is not probable that
Bornou has a more westerly position. Edrisi’s account would place it
more easterly; for he says, that Matthan, a city of Kanem, lies thirty-
one days from Nuabia (on the Nile) through Tegua. Geog. Nub. p.
15. Edrisi’s day’s journey is equal to eighteen Arabic miles, or nearly
nineteen geographic ones: consequently the thirty-one days give five
hundred and eighty-seven miles. Matthan is not reported in the
Itinerary; but Kanem is, both as Province and a capital City: and the
position of the latter according to my construction, is seven hundred
miles from Nuabia. Whether the error lies on the side of Edrisi, or
the Shereef; or arises from the faulty position of Nuabia in D’Anville,
cannot easily be discovered.
Ben Alli travelled the road between Bornou and Alexandria; but
was too much indisposed to make any observations, otherwise than
that the Kingdom of Bornou extends fifteen days journey, or about
two hundred and thirty miles, in that direction. This was particularly
unfortunate; for whichsoever route he went, he must have crossed
some one or more of the O a s e s ; and of course some important
matter would have been added to the Map.
The only route of importance that remains to be discussed, is
that from Fezzan or Mourzouk, to Cairo, leading to Mecca; for, at
Mourzouk the Mahomedans from the southern and western parts of
Africa, who intend to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, assemble at the
proper season, as at a common point of departure. The route to
Cairo, which requires fifty-three days to atchieve, appears on the
Map to be seven hundred and seventy miles; being equal to fourteen
and half for each day: and is on the whole, seventy more than I
should have expected that number of days to produce. To what
degree of accuracy the difference of longitude between Mesurata
and Cairo, is ascertained, I am ignorant: as also whether the bearing
of Mourzouk from Mesurata, be right. Fourteen miles and half of
horizontal distance for each day, on so long a line of distance, and
on so rugged a way as the Itinerary describes, is too great a
proportion; and we may suspect an error somewhere.
A circumstance occurs in the Itinerary, which would determine
how near this route approaches to the Coast of the Mediterranean
Sea; if we might depend on the accuracy of the Itinerist. The dates
produced in the Plain of Gegabib, are gathered by the people of
Duna, who inhabit the sea coast, eight days journey off; or about
one hundred and thirty miles. No such place as Duna appears in the
modern maps; but Derna (antiently Darnis) does: and it is situated
within the confines of Tripoli, as Duna is said to be. But the distance
must be faulty; because Augela is the nearest point in this route, to
Derna, though ten days from it: and Gegabib, is seven days from
Augela, in a direction that still increases the distance.
Augela is found in Herodotus, Book IV. under the name of Ægila;
and in Ptolemy and Pliny it is written Augila. In Ptolemy, Africa Tab.
III. it is placed about 197 miles from the sea coast, and about a
degree of longitude to the eastward of Darnis. Its longitudinal
position from Mourzouk and Cairo, agrees very well: and considering
the extent of Ptolemy’s local knowledge in this quarter, we may
suppose him well acquainted with its distance from the coast.
Allowance must be made for an excess of distance given by
Ptolemy’s scale, in this Map; and it being in the proportion of twenty-
seven to twenty-three, the one hundred and ninety-seven miles
should be reduced to one hundred and sixty-eight: and according to
this, Augela ought to stand in latitude 29° 20′; and nearly midway
between Mourzouk and Cairo.
Gegabib, as has been said before, is seven days journey from
Augela, towards Cairo; and as I have a particular pleasure in
producing any authority that serves to prove the veracity of such an
Author as H e r o d ot u s , I shall just mention, that (in B. IV.) he says,
that the Nasamones in the Summer season, leave their cattle on the
coast, and go to the plains of Ægila, to gather the fruit of the Palm
trees, which abound in that place. The portion of this coast, is
marked by its lying on the West of Teuchira,[36] a sea-port that lay
within the district of Cyrene, now better known by the names of
Curin and Barca.
Ptolemy’s Nasamones, occupy, in respect of Augila, the very spot
where the dates are now gathered in the plain of Gegabib: and
therefore we may conclude that the Nasamones’ Territories extended
at least from that plain, to the Eastern Coast of the Great Syrtis. It
may, perhaps, in future, be known where the Port or Coast of Duna
is; whether it be Derna, the antient Darnis, or some place on the
Syrtis.
 Between Augela and See-wah, the next town towards Cairo (and
probably the Siropum of Ptolemy) the road passes over a chain of
very high mountains, named in these times Gerdobah: and this is
unquestionably the same ridge that terminates on the
Mediterranean, a few days journey farther on; and which by the
suddenness of its descent towards the sea, was antiently named
Catabathmus. This chain or ridge divided Cyrene from Marmarica.
The scite of the antient Temple of Jupiter Ammon, was a few
days journey (perhaps four or five) inland from the plain of Gegabib,
so often mentioned. I think I may venture to say this on the
authority of Herodotus, Strabo, Pliny, and Arrian; from each of
whom, some particulars may be collected respecting its situation.
First, Herodotus says, (Book IV.) that the Temple is situated ten days
from Ægila; (frequented by the Nasamones on account of the dates)
and on the road from Thebes to Ægila. Next, Arrian says, on the
authority of Aristobulus, that Alexander went to it, from the scite of
his new city of Alexandria, along the sea coasts of Egypt and
Marmarica, to Paraetonium: which latter was situated, according to
the same authority, sixteen hundred stadia from Alexandria. Pliny
gives it at two hundred Roman miles (Book V.) These accounts are
perfectly conclusive; and the position of Paraetonium, is also very
clear in Ptolemy; and is moreover known to the Moderns under the
name of Al Bareton: so that no difficulty can arise here. Arrian says
farther, that Alexander struck inland from Paraetonium, and entered
the Desart: but he does not say how far the Temple lay from the sea
coast. This is supplied by Strabo, (Book XXVII.) who gives the
distance at thirteen hundred stadia. Allowing these to produce one
hundred and thirty, or one hundred and forty miles; and taking
Herodotus’s ten days from Augela at one hundred and seventy (we
must not consider them as caravan journies, but as ordinary ones)
the meeting of these lines of distance, place the Temple in latitude
twenty-nine degrees, and a small fraction; and in a South Westerly
direction from Parætonium. Pliny says, (Book V.) that the Temple is
four hundred [Roman] miles from Cyrene; that is, twice as far as
Parætonium is from Alexandria: and this agrees with the former
position. Lastly, Ptolemy places it one hundred and ninety-five
geographic miles from Paraetonium; and from Cyrene three hundred
and forty.—But Ptolemy’s scale, in Africa Tab. III. gives too much
distance (as I have said before), and corrected, it should be one
hundred and sixty-six from Parætonium. As these authorities do not
vary amongst themselves more than thirty miles, I consider them as
conclusive.
M. D’Anville’s position of this Temple is about thirty miles farther
to the Southward; that is, from the Mediterranean; but he does not
quote his authorities. In his Geographie Ancienne Abregee, vol. iii. p.
42. he has the following passage: “Selon la Géographie actuelle, ce
qu’on trouve sous le nom de Sant-rieh, paroit en tenir la place; & par
la Nature du pays, qui ne laisse point distinguer d’autre objet, on
n’est point embarrassé sur le choix.” Edrisi (Geo. Nub. p. 41.) places
Sant-rie ten days Eastward from Augela, and nine days from the
Mediterranean; which carries Sant-rie farther from the sea-coast,
than Strabo allows to the Temple; but accords with Ptolemy. Savary,
vol. ii. Lett. VIII.) quotes Abulfeda, to shew that the Oases were only
three days journey West of the Nile; and Ptolemy places the largest
of them, named E l W a h by the Arabs, under the parallel of 27°. I
suspect Abulfeda is wrong; and that Ptolemy is nearer the truth,
when he allows one hundred and twenty-three miles, (or one
hundred and five corrected) for the distance of the Great Oasis from
Ptolemais on the Nile, in the direction of West, something
Southwardly. Then Edrisi allows only nine days between Sant-rie and
El Wah; whereas the scite of the Temple of Jupiter Ammon, by the
above authorities, should be, according to my apprehension, at least
twelve days from E l W a h . But we are young in African Geography:
and as I have said before, the data furnished by Arrian, Strabo, and
Pliny, may satisfy us.
The description of the Oasis (or Island in the midst of the sandy
Desart) which contained the Temple, is pretty generally known: but
for the sake of those who may not recollect the particulars, I have
extracted the following account.
 Arrian says, that it is not more than forty stadia in extent;
Diodorus fifty; say, six or seven miles. All accounts agree, that it has
one or more fountains of water; and that it was planted with divers
kinds of fruit trees: Arrian particularly notices the Palm and Olive.
What appeared to be a very great natural curiosity, was, a fountain,
which according to Arrian, (whose account is the least extravagant)
varied in its temperature, in a greater degree than any other that
has been heard of: that is, it was very warm, or hot, at midnight;
very cold in the heat of the day. I presume these phenomena will
not appear very extraordinary to those, who consider, that a deep-
seated spring will preserve a mean degree of temperature at all
seasons: so that, in effect, it was the atmosphere that underwent
the change; and with it, the bodies of those who made the
observations.
The Temple was surrounded by a triple wall, forming three
distinct quarters or divisions; one of which was appropriated to the
use of the Monarch. In the time of Herodotus, when probably the
Temple was in its glory, the dominions of the Ammonites reached
within ten days journey of the City of Thebes: the people were a
colony of Egyptians and Ethiopians, and spoke a mixed language,
(Herod. Book III.) Ammon, or Hammon, was the Egyptian name of
Jupiter; and the image of the god, similar to that at Thebes; that is,
it had the head of a Ram. (Book IV.)
In the time of Strabo, about four hundred and fifty years after
Herodotus, the Temple was almost deserted; as the Oracle was
grown out of fashion.
It is probable that some remains either of the triple wall, or of
the Temple, may be found at this day; although the materials may
have undergone a different kind of arrangement. The transport of
the materials across the Desart could only have been accomplished
by the strong impulse of superstition: and being once collected,
nothing but a like cause could remove them. See-wah appears to be
the nearest town to this Oasis; and is probably not more than six
days journey on the North East of it: the spring, together with the
ruins of the Temple, and the triple wall, might ascertain the spot, if
the curiosity of the present age demanded it.

M a r c h , 1790.
 FOOTNOTES:

[1] In the Arabic, the word Friend is often employed, as in this

passage, to express the same meaning as the English term servant.
[2] B e n A l l i , a native of Morocco, who was lately in England, and of
whom an account is given in the Introduction to Chapter IV. relates,
that in proceeding from Fezzan to Gharien, on his way to Tripoli, he
was met by several parties of Arabs, who were robbers by profession,
and who rendered the rout so dangerous, that every individual in the
caravan was obliged to carry a gun, a brace of pistols, and a yatagan
or sabre. He describes the country as partially cultivated; and
remarks, that it is furnished with few springs, and is wholly destitute
of rivers.
By his account, the distance from Fezzan to Gharien is that of a
journey of sixteen days.
He represents the rout from Gharien to Tripoli as a sandy desart,
and its length as that of a seven days journey.
[3] The capital of Fezzan is situated on the banks of a small river, and
is also supplied with water from a multitude of springs and wells.
Being formerly built with stone, it still retains the appellation of a
Christian Town; and the medley which it presents to the eye, of the
vast ruins of antient buildings, and of the humble cottages of earth
and sand that form the dwellings of its present Arab inhabitants, is
singularly grotesque and strange.
Ben Alli.
[4] In this estimate of distance, the rate of travelling is supposed to
be twenty-two miles per day:—a conclusion that arises from the time
that was employed by Mr. L u c a s in travelling from Tripoli to Mesurata;
for in that journey of 150 miles, seven days were consumed; and
though the caravan was detained for a few hours on the sea coast,
and was employed during four more in passing to and from the tents
of the Arab, yet these losses were probably compensated by the
extraordinary dispatch with which, in consequence of their fears, the
greatest part of the journey was performed.
[5] The people are of a deep swarthy complexion.
Ben Alli.
[6] To these sentiments of constant regard and of deep veneration for
their King, his acknowledged descent from the Prophet has
undoubtedly contributed: for such, if united to the temporal power, is
the effect of this claim to religious authority, that in Morrocco, when
in the hour of his wrath the sword of the Emperor is drawn, the
submissive victims whom chance or official attendance on the Court
presents to his fury, stretch forth their necks with silent and humble
acquiescence; perfectly convinced that the stroke of death, when
given by so sacred a hand, is an instant admission to Paradise.
[7] When I was at Fezzan, about twenty years ago, the actual
government was committed to an Alcaid, who received his annual
appointment from the Bashaw of Tripoli.
Ben Alli.
[8] In Morrocco, as in Fezzan, the Founder of the reigning family was
indebted for the diadem to the respect and reverence which the title
of Shereef bestows.
[9] From the appearance of the supposed berries, there is reason to
suspect that they belong to the class of leguminous plants, and are in
fact two species of pease.
[10] In the neighbourhood Tombuctou a gold mitgan is worth about
10s. 6d. sterling.
Ben Alli.
[11] Mr. L u c a s found by his medicine scales, that the pea called habbat
ell goreth, which is used in Fezzan for a weight of four grains, is
exactly equal to four grains English.
In England one grain of gold is worth 2d.—one penny-weight is
worth 4s.—and one ounce is worth 4l. sterling.
R e e s ’s Edition of Chambers’s Dictionary, Article “G o l d .”
[12] Its depth is from ten to twelve peeks, each of which is twenty-
seven inches.
The Shereef I m h a m m e d .
[13] The rout which B e n A l l i pursued from Fezzan to Bornou is not
distinctly described.
His relation is, that on the 26th day from the time of his leaving
Fezzan, he arrived at a place which in Arabic is called Wéddan, or the
Rivers, for Wéddan is the plural of Wed which signifies a river.