OF THE OLD WORLD. 437 



of wooded hills, some small portions of wliicli are 

 cTiltivated, The edge of the lake is surrounded by- 

 rushes, averaging nearly three feet in height, and 

 here and there are patches of brushwood and thorn- 

 bushes. We rode along the edge of the lake for 

 about two hours, the only houses we passed being 

 those of two invalid French soldiers, who are em- 

 ployed in mending the road. 



We passed three Arab encampments, all at some 

 short distance from the road, and were considerably 

 annoyed by their numerous dogs barking and yelp- 

 ing at our horses' heels. 



At sunset we arrived at the Caravansaiy of Ain 

 Mokra, where we sat down to a substantial dinner, 

 provided by the maitre d'hotel, a Frenchman of the 

 name of Bosquet, who is in charge of the building. 

 Our ride had sharpened our appetites, and we did 

 ample justice to our good cheer. After dinner we 

 had a brew, and singing was the order of the night. 

 Our vivandi^re particularly distinguished herself on 

 this occasion, and was warmly applauded Another 

 of our party, from the north of the Tweed, was not 

 behindhand. The president's hunting-song was very 

 justly encored, and brought forth roars of laughter. 

 As the rule of the house was that every one should 

 chant when his turn came round, or take a dose of 

 Epsom salts hot, there was no escape. I insert the 

 words of my songs, which I composed when laid up 

 on my back from wounds in hospital, and time hung 

 heavily on my hands : — 



