1 62 CAMP AT MESFIOUA. ch. tii. 



cially by the genera Trifoliwm, Medicago, Ononis, and 

 Lotus. Of the first two genera we found in the lower re- 

 gion none but the common Mediterranean species, while 

 the others displayed many local forms. One Ononis here 

 found was altogether new ; and a Lotus, not elsewhere seen 

 in our journey, seemed identical with an Oriental species 

 not hitherto found west of Greece. 



As we advanced, the upward slope of the ground to- 

 wards the foot of the great range became much more 

 perceptible, though still very gradual. At near 4 p.m., 

 we arrived at another house belonging to the Kaid of 

 Mesfioua, and were informed that that functionary was 

 waiting to receive us, and expected us to halt there for the 

 night. The instinctive feeling of an Englishman who has 

 made up his mind to accomplish a certain distance in his 

 day's journey is to close his ears to any suggestion of delay, 

 and all the more decidedly when there is reason to think 

 that other people are scheming to oppose him ; so at first 

 it seemed as if we should have further altercation with 

 our escort. But as prudence pointed out that, whatever 

 the feelings of the local authorities might be in our regard, 

 it would be injudicious to do anything to give offence, and 

 as at the same time the appearance of the country near 

 at hand promised good botanising, we speedily decided on 

 making a virtue of necessity, and with sufficiently good 

 grace agreed to pitch our tents. By this time the Kaid 

 had come out to receive us, but retired after a brief saluta- 

 tion, it being understood that conversation was reserved 

 till evening. 



Without loss of time, we sallied forth with our port- 

 folios, attended by one of the soldiers who was supposed 

 to watch over our safety, and directing our steps to a dry 

 river-bed that winds through the plain close by, were 

 rewarded for our self-denial by finding a number of in- 

 teresting plants not before seen. The most conspicuous 

 of these was a Ta/manx, which in some places grew thickly 

 near the banks. It is remarkable for the bright pink 



