328 SAVAGE SUDAN 



atop of the vast accumulations of sticks formed by glossy 

 starlings (Lamprocolius), and alongside the eggs lay two dead 

 doves. Average dimensions : 



Weight. Length. Expanse. 



Male (adult) . . -4^ lb. 26 ins. 60 ins. 



Female . . . 5% 27 66 



THE ARAB TRIBES OF THE BLUE NILE AND BINDER 



The courtesy of these pastoral folk was charming. 

 They are wholly illiterate, but their industry and skill 

 in rude handicrafts surprises. In architecture they are 

 experts in utilising wild Nature's productions, and their 

 primitive houses could scarce be exceeded in comfort, 

 having regard to climatic conditions. By using vegetable 

 fibres and flexible boughs, they dispense with nails or 

 cord. Bundles of bound-up canes provide door-posts 

 and lintel, while the yellow halfa-grass of the wilderness, 

 neatly interwoven in rain-resisting style, completes roof 

 and walls windows are not required. What their 

 "municipal" arrangements (if any) may be we know 

 not ; but they live in ordered communities, each village 

 having its sheikh who dictates and regulates without 

 discussion or dissatisfaction. One incident struck me 

 as incongruous. A local sheikh on the Dinder (who was 

 most assiduous in attending to our comfort and require- 

 ments) kept assuring me that I was welcome to shoot 

 whatever big-game I might find within his jurisdiction. 

 It was kindly meant, but having a full licence from 

 the Anglo-Egyptian Government, such local permission 

 seemed superfluous ? Fine points in diplomacy lie outside 

 my scope; so I acknowledged the courtesy not only in 

 thanks, but (what was more to the point) by suitable 

 presents of "meat." 



In the open country, or in the byways of the forest, 

 all the Arabs we met would halt, dismount, and salaam. 

 One day I remember being held up in thick forest by a 

 stiff thorn-fence. While seeking a way through, suddenly 



