SELECTING A DEAGOMAN. 5 



man might suit, that very man seemed allotted to us by 

 general consent ; his prices were at once the most moderate ; 

 his testimonials excellent, and all appeared willing to say 

 a good word for him. 



It is not advisable to ask a dragoman whom you think 

 likely to suit for his terms at the outset, as he might be 

 tempted to name such a sum that he cannot afterwards 

 reduce it to your idea of the correct thing without appearing 

 such a rascal as to give you a distaste for him at once. The 

 better plan is to form an estimate from the demands of the 

 others, and from what information you can pick up from the 

 Consul and residents, as to the cost of such a boat as you 

 require; then make your offer, say £100 per month, or £200 

 to the Second Cataract and back, with twelve days' stoppages, 

 all backsheesh included, and the contract not to commence 

 till the day of starting. If you intend going into Palestine 

 after the Nile tour, it is advisable to hire a Syrian drago- 

 man ; otherwise an Egyptian is perhaps preferable, as being 

 quieter and less hkely to fall out with the crew. Prices 

 differ according to the season and number of visitors to the 

 Nile ; i.e. the prices of the boats. The actual feeding, atten- 

 dance, and paying of backsheesh, a dragoman will probably 

 be ready to undertake for from £50 to £60 a month for two, 

 £60 to £70 for three, and in similar proportion for a larger 

 number. This would include a cook and one or two servants 

 to wait upon the party. 



The boat, which should be one of the best you can find, 

 should not cost more than £40 or £50 per month ; this in- 

 cludee a Reis or captain, a second captain and crew of ten 

 men. Wines and drinkables are not included in a contract ; 

 they can be got either at Alexandria from Goodman and 



