THE ARABS OF EGYFL'. 



347 



year, returning to tlie desert after harvest-tide. Thus their manner of life rather 

 than their racial descent distinguishes the various sections of the population. 



Nevertheless after settling down as sedentary colonists, the children of the desert 

 continue to enjoy great privileges, and for generations are exempt from the corvee 

 and conscription. At the same time the Bedouins of Egypt are by no means politi- 

 cally independent. Separated into two distinct groups by the Nile valley, those of 

 the Arabian desert, no less than their kindred of the Libyan oases, occupy districts 

 easily commanded on all sides. Hence they are completely dependent on their 

 neighbours for their supplies of all kinds. They are moreover divided into some 



Fic". 102.— A Bedouin. 



fifty different tribes, several of which live in a constant state of hostility amongst 

 themselves. No instance has yet been recorded of all the Bedouins of the desert 

 making common cause in defence of their common freedom. 



One of the most powerful tribes of the Arabian desert is that of the Maazeh, or 

 " Goatherds," who, according to Maspero, are the ancient Maziu Libyans assimilated 

 to the Arabs within a recent period. They are the hereditary foes of the Ababdeh, 

 who are of Beja stock, and who dwell to the south of Kosse'ir, in the valleys of the 

 Cataract range, and in Lower Nubia. The Ababdeh live mainly on milk and durrah, 

 the latter eaten either raw or roasted, or made into unleavened cukes. Their chief 



