CHAPTER XXIV.

HÁUSA—HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF KÁTSENA—ENTRY INTO KANÓ 273

The Name Háusa—Origin of the Háusa Nation—The Seven States—Origin of the Town of Kátsena—The Mohammedan Missionary Ben Maghíli—Kings of Kátsena—The First Moslim—The Oldest Quarter—Magnitude of the Town—Its Decline—Salubrious Site and Favourable Situation of Kátsena—Departure from Kátsena—Wild State of the Country—Shibdáwa—Rich Scenery—Kusáda—The Bentang Tree—Women with Heavy Loads—Beehives—Gúrzo—Approach to Kanó—Straggling Villages—Composition of our Troop—First View of Dalá—Entering Kanó.