270 NORTH-EAST AFRICA. 



which procured Kordofân for the Egyptians, and which revenged, after a course of 

 two generations, the still more terrible battle of Kashgil. 



One of the stations on the route between Bara and Dabbeh is the oasis of 

 Kdimar, or Kajmar, where there is a small intermittent lake full of salt water ; 

 but the wells in the vicinity furnish fresh water nearly as good as that of the 

 Nile. In the vicinity, on the Jebel-Haraza, Lejean has seen a rock covered with 

 curious paintings, which probably represent a razzia. One of the figures is 

 represented of a gigantic stature, the beard cut to a point, and wearing a costume 

 similar to that used by the Franks during the First Crusade. 



Beyond this point, on the route to Dabbeh, lies the oasis of Es-Sa/i, which, 

 thanks to its magnificent vegetation, is one of the most beautiful in all Africa. 

 Although not permanently inhabited it may be considered as the centre of the 

 Kababish nation, who cultivate the soil and water their cattle at its streams. At 

 the period of Cuny's visit, at least fifteen thousand camels were grazed in the 

 district surrounding Lake Es-Safi. The water, which probably filters from the 

 Nile through the sand or subterranean rocks, covers a vast space, and is dotted 

 with islands. During the rainy season the trees on the banks are partly submerged 

 by the rising waters. Flocks of ducks and geese swim on the surface of the lake, 

 whilst its banks are lined with waterfowl — storks, herons, ibis, secretaries, and 

 pelicans. 



