There are,
however, various herbs for this seasoning, though all of them have a
similar flavour. I confess, myself, I do not much like the flavour; it
is, like that of olives, an acquired taste. Bazeen may be called
flour-pudding.
Gubga is a Bornouese measure, eight draas (or lengths of the lower part
of the arm, from the elbow to the tips of the fingers) in length and one
inch and a half broad. Denham, who spells it gubka, says it is about one
English yard. The eight draas would be, however, nearly three yards.
This measure is applied to white, coarse, native-woven cotton, and a
piece of cotton eight draas long and one inch and half broad is a gubga.
This is the money of Bornou; it must be a most inconvenient currency,
but habit accustoms us to everything.
It is reported in town, that En-Noor intends shortly to make a razzia on
the towns where we were plundered: he says, perhaps justly, "The tribes
have '_tasted_' fine burnouses, more especially their sheikhs; and
emboldened by their success, and the attractiveness of the rich
vestments, they will now plunder all the caravans." This is another
reason why strong representations should be made to the Pasha of Mourzuk
to grant us redress. En-Noor can seize camels and sequester them; he can
also seize men: but he must afterwards send them to Aghadez for trial.
This razzia, however, will not come off yet.
A storm of wind, with at little rain as usual, visited us in the
afternoon.
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