158 THE CAMEL. 



cushions are spread for the traveller in the 

 scanty shade of some thinly leafed shrub, the 

 tents of the Franks (for the Arabs use none ex- 

 cept in their stationary camps) are unpacked 

 and pitched, their beds, camp-stools, and other 

 conveniences are duly disposed, dry wood is 

 gathered, fires and pipes are lighted, and coffee, 

 (probably stolen from your own stores,) fre- 

 quently highly flavoured with cloves or other 

 pungent spices, is politely sent you by the prin- 

 cipal sheikh of the caravan, and then come the 

 cookery, the dinner, and the preparations for the 

 night. 



" When the camels return from feeding, which 

 is towards sunset, tHey are made to lie down 

 about the tents, and generally secured by tying 

 up one of the fore legs. The Arabs sit, smoke, 

 and talk awhile around the fire, and then, wrap- 

 ping up in their blankets or tattered cloaks, 

 they stretch themselves on the ground and 

 compose themselves to sleep. The sheikhs fare 

 no better than their followers, except that they 

 carry a carpet or two, a more liberal supply of 

 clothing, and some other trifling conveniences 

 which the common Bedouins cannot afford. 

 Bread is almost the sole diet of the Arabs, when 

 travelling, but the honoratiores among them are 

 very apt to take the liberty of intruding them- 

 selves upon the hospitality of your poor ser- 



