456 The Hunting Grounds 



After a pleasant ride of about two hours, a turn in 

 the valley gave us a view of the Lake Fedzara, and 

 we were all much delighted with the scenery arid 

 with our prospects of sport, for clouds of duck were 

 seen hovering over the reeds, which were at some 

 distance from the edge of the water. The lake is 

 about sixteen miles in length, and varies from four to 

 ten in breadth. The road winds along the northern 

 bank between the lake and a long range of wooded 

 hills, some small portions of which are cultivated. 

 The edge of the lake is surrounded by rushes, averag- 

 ing 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 employed 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 yelping 

 at our horses' heels. 



At sunset we arrived at the Caravansary of A in 

 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 vivandiere particularly distinguished herself on 



