The pronunciation is also very different, the kaf being pronounced as a G, and only marked with one nunnation, and F is pointed below; they have no idea of arithmetic, but reckon every thing by dots on the sand, ten in a line; many can hardly tell how much two and two amount to.

They expressed great surprise at the Europeans being able to add numbers together without fingering.

Though very fond of poetry, they are incapable of composing it.

The Arabs, however, invent a few little songs, which the natives have much pleasure in learning, and the women sing some of the negro airs very prettily, while grinding their corn.
The songs of the kadankas (singing girls), who answer to the Egyptian almehs, is Soudanic.

Their musical instrument is called rhababe, or erhab.