60 A SCORPION. 



Ducks, which rarely allow one to approach within ordinary- 

 range. 



March Wth. — The boat is ready when I want it this morn- 

 ing, the dragoman having probably passed on a few of my 

 remarks to the crew, who are all activity, for fear of diminish- 

 ing the much-coveted backsheesh, the only great motive 

 power in Egypt. We return to nearly the old camping- 

 ground opposite the sugar-factory, and I find the Snipe- 

 shooting much improved by the few days' rest it has had ; and 

 the Ducks, too, have returned to their old quarters. I dis- 

 cover that I have brought from the other side more than I 

 intended ; for on sitting down a scorpion bites me : at the 

 moment I thought it was a needle in my chair ; nor was it 

 painful until the following day, when there was a good deal of 

 inflammation, which lasted for about three days, when it 

 quickly subsided, and was never more than simply unplea- 

 sant, possibly owing to my applying " eau de luce " at once, 

 and being in capital training. 



March \2th. — The day is beautiful, not a ripple on the 

 water, not a cloud in the sky, intensely hot in the sunshine ; 

 but the air feels pure and light, and as I paddle over the smooth 

 water I admire the loveliness of the climate, and feel how 

 enjoyable this life is away from all native interference. I 

 have left them tending their flocks by the water's edge, or 

 gathering in their luxuriant crops of clover, whilst I am 

 paddling among the water-plants and half-sunken bushes. 

 At intervals I land on some small island for Snipe and 

 Waders, while Ducks come flying over my head either singly 

 or in small flocks. 



The level of the lake has much sunk since I was here 



