186 SPORT IN THE EASTERN SUDAN 



March 19th. Got off at 1 a.m., by the light of the 

 moon, and reached Bela myself at 8 a.m., the caravan 

 being an hour later say 18 miles. Thorn-scrub began 

 within 6 miles of Bela, which lies among a group of 

 high hills. Saw several flocks of guinea-fowl, and 

 managed to secure one, also saw one bustard which 

 was unapproachable. Met Captain B., R.E., on duty 

 in connection with wells. Had my first bath since 

 leaving Gedarif. Watered camels, replenished fan- 

 tasses, etc., and got off again at 4 p.m., marching till 

 6 p.m. Bagged five more guinea-fowl in the rocky 

 hills round Bela. In the heat of the day these birds 

 roost high up in the hills, and at 4 p.m. come 

 down like hill-pheasants in India. Country much 

 more interesting after leaving Bela, chiefly " thai " 

 forest, resembling birch-woods in winter, especially 

 when the short dried grass has drifted like snow. 



March 2Qth. Got off at 4.30 p.m. and marched 1 

 about 19 miles into Hawata, arriving at 9 p.m., the 

 camels not coming up till nearly midday. Passed 

 considerable cultivation on the road ; also a village 

 only inhabited in the rains. Bagged a guinea-fowl. 

 Found that the Mamur had called my new shikari 

 from his home, Hawata, to the head-quarters, 

 Mafaza, a day's march away, as apparently I had 

 been expected to travel via Mafaza. At 2 p.m. a man 

 came into my camp with the news that four large lions 

 accompanied by a smaller one had just killed and eaten 



