" The Resident gives some useful notes on trade. The Tripoli Arabs, he says, monopolise the export trade in skins and tobea (native gowns), and the import trade in saddle cloths, coloured wool, spices and sugar.

 The experimental journey undertaken by one of them—Nasuf—(to which I re­ ferred in my last report) in order to test the advantages of the Southern route, has resulted in advice to his partners to con­tinue the desert route. Dr. Cargill says that 40 camel loads cost only £260 by sea, as against £400 by the desert route, and take only half the time, while through rates to Tripoli were quoted in Liverpool, but Nasuf complains of the expense of living in Liverpool and other difficulties. 

Dr. Cargill con­ jectures that possibly a few slaves may be acquired on the way to Tripoli, which would add to the gains by the desert route. The Kano Trading Company opened a business in February, 1905, for the purchase of skins, &c, but their anticipations have not been fulfilled and they are at present limiting themselves to an export of feathers by parcel post. The provisions of the Caravan Proclamation practically exempt them from tolls, and every effort has been made the Administration to encourage this enterprise, and I understand that, as soon as the new road becomes thoroughly practicable for carts, they intend to again embark in general trade.

The parcel post has been used to such an extent by the Tripoli Arabs for the import of tobes and other articles of trade that the service, which was conducted at a considerable loss to Government, became congested, and Government was unable to convey the enormous quantities of parcels. I have therefore been compelled to charge actual transport cost as from May 1st of this year. The Arabs im­ ported during the year 789 parcels by this means, weighing 8,681 lbs. and valued at £1,216, while all other parcels aggre­ gated only 578, weighing 3,076 lbs. and valued at £217. The price of natron, the chief article of export southwards, fell during the year, owing to the large quantity shipped by canoes from Yola, and consequently traders exported specie southwards, making their profit on the up-journey."

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