CHAPTER IX
ILORIN.
Magnificent Conflagration—Grassy Plains and Forests—Freedom of the Country from Beasts and Reptiles; why—Extravagant Wel-come—Nasamo the Executioner, and his Dwelling—Wifeless—Royal Present of Food—Prisoners—Interview with the King—Schools—Arabians—Mulatto—Musical Instruments—Banjo—Beg-gars—Looms—Gambari Market—Escort.
THERE was just light enough to enable us to see the dim outline of the walls as we approached Ilorin, and by the time we were within the gates it was dark, but the atmosphere was illumined by a brilliant light from the burning of grass in the plain to the right of the city—a magnificent spectacle. Except between Abbeokuta and Ijaye, where there is a dense forest through which it requires fully five hours to pass, forming the division between the territory of the Egbas and Yorubas, the country is clear, with only low scrubby trees much scattered, with an undergrowth of rank tall grass. In some places, from what cause it is difficult to say, there can be found no other kinds of vegetation
