Note 109 — Chapter V

The chain of bearings and distances is thus ascertained: Edrisi allows 66 journies between Ghana and Dongola: of which 36 are between Ghana and Kauga; 30 between the latter and Dongola (Damokla of Edrisi). Of the thirty six, eighteen are clearly shewn to point eastward; partly by direct information, partly by the context. For Kauga is said to be 10 journies to the east of Semegonda: (Ed. p. 13.) and between the latter and Sekmara, 8 journies, is about E by S and W by N; as we learn from the triangle formed by the points of Sekmara, Semegonda, and Reghebil; the latter place being six days southward from the former, and nine from Semegonda. And lastly, the 18 journies between Ghana and Sekmara, are checked by the bearing and distance between Reghebil and Ghanara; and the distance between Ghanara and Ghana—(See the map). For Reghebil is said (Edrisi, p. 12.) to lie 11 journies to the east of Ghanara, whilst the latter is also 11 journies from Ghana. The context shews, that if Sekmara is 18 journies from Ghana, and Reghebil 6 days south from Sekmara, whilst Ghanara preserves the relative position above described, that Sekmara must lie to the eastward of Ghana.

Kauga ought unquestionably to lie to the southward of Dongola, by 2½ or 3 degrees. For it is 20 journies to the southward of Kuku, which is itself about the parallel of Tamalma, which is 12 journies from Matthan, the capital of Bornou; northward. And this Matthan, as will be shewn presently, lies in the same parallel with Dongola. Thus, I may assume, without any great hazard, an easterly bearing between Ghana and Kauga; E 25 N between Kauga and Dongola.

For the authorities for the above particulars, see Edrisi, pages 10, 11, 12, 13. It would be almost endless to note each separate authority.