FAUNA AND FLORA OF SINAI, PETRA, AND WADY 'ARAB AH. 15 



vary much in size. In one form or another it is a very widespread 

 desert form which has received a number of segregational names. The 

 abnormal Neurada procumbens, with its curious flat prickly-edged capsule 

 nearly an inch in diameter, was in good condition, but scarce. Gompho- 

 carpus was in full flower and fruit ; like D(smia cordata, already gathered, 

 and now common, it has a sticky, staining, milky juice, very poisonous 

 according to the Bedawin. These two Asclepiads, and about five others 

 occurring in Sinai, point to the tropical element in its flora. Artemisia 

 herba-alba, Asso., in several well-marked forms, is henceforth one of the 

 most abundant and highly aromatic plants. 



From Zibb el Baheir, which I ascended with Dr. Hull on Sunday, 

 November 16, we had a grand view of the whole mass of Jebel Mtisa 

 (Mount Sinai) and Jebel Katharlna on the south-east, and of Serbil 

 nearer us to the southward. Down Widy Berah the foregoing labiates 

 and composites were prevalent in many places. A little further on is a 

 continuous grove of retem bushes, the first bit of almost luxuriant 

 though limited vegetation I had seen except close to the wells. This 

 wady, like most others, is flat, and about half a mile wide, with a slight 

 channel wandering from side to side, and marked by a line of gray- 

 green growth, no doubt fresh and delightful after the rain, which was 

 almost due. 



Hares were seen once or twice. I saw one here first, a very long- 

 eared and long-legged whitey-gray animal with a little body {Lepus 

 sinaiticus, Hemp, et Ehr.). He was a perfect fiend to travel ; no 

 animal ever got out of my sight so quickly. The little southern 

 owl hovered around our camp one or two evenings. A splendid pair 

 of griffon vultures afforded a nearer view here than elsewhere. The 

 Egyptian species is more approachable. Crows and ravens (C corax 

 and C. umbrinus) were also tamer in this less frequently traversed route. 

 Indeed, the large birds generally seemed fully aware of the harmless nature 

 of Cairo powder. The lark, Alauda isabellina, Bon., was the commonest of 

 the smaller species. White wagtails, Motacilla alba, Linn., were also very 

 frequent, continually hopping about our tents and camels, quite fearless of 

 man. 



The two lizards of the Agama genus already mentioned, especially the 

 smaller {A. ruderata), were qommon. I kept some of these alive as far as 



