A TOMBOUCTOU

Thème.

Before the occupation of Timbuctoo by the French, that city and her environs were always pillaged by the Touaregs. The Touaregs are a nomad tribe whose name means forsaken by God. They had formerly the réputation of being terrible and dauntless warriors, but in fact they are rather cowardly, and never dare to attack their enemies in broad daylight. Their usual tactics are to surround the enemy's camp at night and to crawl in like hyenas.

The French garrison has put an end to their expéditions, and one can now safely go through the streets of the town at any time.

Timbuctoo is a rather poor place ; the markets are not well provided. and the only grains grown by the natives are millet and rice. Yet the soil is fertile, and would yield rich harvests if it were properly cultivated. The city itself contains a number of famous mosques, and in former times it was called

the holy city. It is now an important trading centre. It is hère that the différent tribes meet to exchange sait, grains, cotton goods, honey, etc. It cannot be doubted that within a few years that town will become an important commercial city, which will thrive and increase both in population and wealth.