Note 144 — JOURNEY FROM TANGIER TO RABAT

Footnote 144: (return) The matamores are subterraneous depositories for corn, in which they preserve the wheat sound and good thirty years; but when a matamore is once opened, it is expedient to consume the corn immediately, otherwise it contracts what is called the matamore twang. These depositories are indispensable in countries exposed to drought, scarcity, or locusts, and should be adopted in our colony of South Africa. The art of constructing them is very peculiar, and I devoted some time in learning it.