212 DRY FOOD. 



exposure to the atmosphere, had separated into 

 loose stones. These had become partially rounded 

 at the edges, by continual denudation of wind and 

 water, assisted by the alternation of heat and cold, 

 arising from the different temperature of the 

 several winds, which traverse this height, from the 

 hot sandy plains of Zeila to the east, or the cooler 

 surface of Lake Abhibhad to the west. 



The curiously divided summit of Jibel Obinoe, 

 a slight elevation above the generally very level 

 table-land, was now visible in the south-west, and 

 the hills which at Gobarcl bore towards the north, 

 were now considerably more towards the north- 

 east. The scene otherwise was similar to the one 

 from San-karl, consisting of dark yellow plains, 

 with black ridges of lava breaking through the 

 surface, and no vegetation, except the dry unyield- 

 ing grass, and a small prickly plant with blue 

 flowers, which was the only food for the camels, 

 this arid and stony country had to offer. 



No Bedouins disturbed us here, nor was my 

 evening's meal of tasteless rice improved by presents 

 of milk, and in desperation at such poor fare, I 

 determined to have recourse to my cheese and sea- 

 biscuit, upon which, after some time and difficulty, 

 I managed to make my supper. Zaido and Allee 

 joined me in this as in more tempting viands, 

 and found some amusement in the excessive hard- 

 ness of the biscuit, actually fracturing a long and 

 dry leg-bone of a camel, plenty of which always 



