THE CARAVAN. 157 



sleep cool ; and besides, it defeats in a measure 

 one great object of your journey, the view of 

 the wonderful scenery of the Desert. 



" The usual length of a day's march is from 

 eight to twelve hours, and the stations are 

 selected with reference to the convenience of 

 obtaining fodder, water, and fuel. The Arabs 

 prefer the regular and familiar places of encamp- 

 ment, but they are objectionable on account of 

 the vermin which frequent them, and the trav- 

 eller should see that his tent is pitched on 

 ground that does not show the ' one spot of 

 ashen black,' the usual sign of recent occu- 

 pation. 



" Towards the close of the march, the sheikhs 

 and other experienced travellers hasten on in 

 advance of the caravan, to select the ground for 

 the camp, and when a level spot is found spa- 

 cious enough to accommodate the tents and 

 camels, and within convenient distance of some 

 scattering thicket of shrubs, which promises 

 wood for the fire, and feed for the beasts, the 

 leading sheikh dismounts and plants his spear. 

 The camels seem to understand this manoeuvre, 

 and when they come in sight of the spear, and 

 their brethren kneeling around it, they quicken 

 their pace, and speedily join the weary group. 

 As the camels come up, they are made to kneel, 

 unloaded, and turned out to feed. Carpets and 

 10 



