are a very remarkable pagan race who permeate the entire protectorate of
Northern Nigeria, and are to be found in small colonies in almost every
province. They are clever agriculturists, naturally peaceful and
industrious. The Munshis, though also good agriculturists, are a warlike
and most unruly race, as are also the Okpoto.

The districts which now comprise the province of Bassa came nominally under
British control in 1900, but up to the year 1903 administrative authority
was confined to the western half with Dekina (in 7deg 3' E., 7deg 41' N.)
for its capital. In December of 1903 a disturbance resulting in the murder
of the British resident led to the despatch of a military expedition, and
as a result of the operations the frontiers of the districts under control
were extended to the borders of the Munshi country in about 8deg E. The
western portion of the province, occupied by friendly and peaceful tribes
upon the Niger, has been organized for administration on the same system as
the rest of the protectorate. Courts of justice are operative and taxes are
peacefully collected. The Okpoto, however, remain turbulent, as do their
neighbours the Munshis. Spirits, of which the importation is forbidden in
Northern Nigeria, are freely smuggled over the border from Southern
Nigeria. Arms and powder are also imported. The slave-trade is still alive
in this district, and an overland route for slaves is believed to have been
established through eastern Bassa to the Benue. In consequence of the
natural wealth of the province, there are trading establishments of the
Niger Company and of Messrs Holt on the Niger and Benue, and colonies of
native traders have penetrated the country from the north. Roman Catholic
and Protestant missions are established at Dekina and Gbebe.

BASSANO, JACOPO DA PONTE (1510-1592), Venetian painter, was born at
Bassano. He was educated by his father, who was himself an artist, and then
completed his studies at Venice. On the death of his father he returned to
Bassano and settled there. His subjects were generally peasants and
villagers, cattle and landscapes, with some portraits and historical
designs. His figures are well designed, and his animals and landscapes have
an agreeable air of simple nature. His compositions, though they have not
much eloquence or grandeur, have abundance of force and truth; the local
colours are well observed, the flesh-tints are fresh and brilliant, and his
chiaroscuro and