160 Miscellaneous. 



came from long distances in order to see the miracle ; the Mara- 

 bouts, with great solemnity, consecrated the newly-created well, 

 and gave in the name of " the well of peace." The second well? 

 in Temakin, yielded 35 litres, of 21° temperature, per minute, 

 and from a depth of 85 metres ; this well was called " the well of 

 bliss." A third experiment, not far from the scene of the second, 

 in the Oasis of Tamelhat, was crowned with the result of. 120 

 litres of water per minute. The Marabouts, after having thanked 

 the soldiers in the presence of the whole population, gave them a 

 banquet, and escorted them in solemn procession to the frontier of 

 Oasis. In another Oasis, that of Sidi-Nached, which had been 

 completely ruined by the drought, the digging of •' the well of 

 gratitude" was accompanied by touching scenes. As soon as 

 the rejoicing outcries of the soldiers had announced the rushing 

 forth of the Water, the natives drew near in crowds, plunged them- 

 selves into the blessed waves, and the mothers bathed their 

 children therein. The old Emir could not master his feelings ; 

 tears in his eyes, he fell down upon his knees, and lifted his 

 trembling hands, in order to thank God and the French* This 

 well yields not less than 4,300 litres per minute, from a depth of 

 54 metres. A fifth well has been dug at Oum Thior, yielding 

 108 litres per minute, Here a part of the tribes of the neighbor- 

 hood commenced at once the establishment of a village, planting 

 at the same time hundreds of date-palms, and thus giving up 

 their former nomandic life. The last well is that of Shegga, 

 where soon an important agricultural centre will spring up. There 

 is no doubt but that these wells will work in these parts a great 

 social revolution. The tribes which, after the primeval custom of 

 their ancestors, kept wandering from one place to another, will 

 gather round these fertilizing springs, will exchange the herds- 

 man's staff for the plough of the farmer, and thus take the first 

 steps towards a civilization, which, no doubt, will make rapid 

 progress in Northern Africa. 



