266 PLEASANT HALTING-PLACE. 



and afforded excellent and abundant forage for the 

 camels. 



It was a beautiful spot which was selected for the 

 encampment, the whole surface of the earth being 

 one extensive green sward of fresh young grass. 

 Mimosa-trees there grew to an extraordinary height, 

 festooned from the topmost branches with a many- 

 flowered climbing plant, which extending from tree 

 to tree, formed a continued suite of the coolest 

 bowers. The alitu, also offered its thick shade of 

 round velvet-like leaves, from amidst which its 

 short white trunk, seemed to represent the painted 

 tent-pole of some bright green pavilion, of the 

 richest material. Doves in all directions fled 

 startled at our approach, only to return immedi- 

 ately, with louder cooing, to the quickly-remem- 

 bered care of their young, who, in flat slightly- 

 built nests of dry sticks and grass, lay crowding 

 to the centre, as if aware of the insecurity of 

 their frail-built homes. Hares in great numbers 

 bounded from beneath our feet, and after running 

 a few yards, would turn to gaze again upon the 

 intruders on the quiet of their retreats, whilst the tall 

 stalking bustard scarcely deigned to notice our 

 arrival, but seemingly intent upon his beetle hunt, 

 slowly removed himself from the increasing noise. 



The scene was particularly inviting to me after 

 the stones and sand, of the previous few days' 

 journey, and although our march this morning had 

 not been long, I was not sorry to learn the deter- 



