402 VETERINARY SURGERY. 



in a low voice, the first chapter of the Koran, and 

 then spit upon the patient, who, wrapt up in a 

 black Arab cloak, was lying at full length upon a 

 mat, in the midst of them. Every one having duly 

 performed this ceremony, the circle broke up, and 

 coffee being brought, the good effect of the combined 

 praying and spitting was acknowledged by all, when 

 Ohmed Mahomed sat up, and called for the first cup. 



This kind of medical treatment is not confined 

 to the diseases of mankind, for on more than 

 one occasion I have seen them adopt the same 

 means of relief for a sick camel. When one 

 of these animals lies down for the night, without 

 performing a little necessary act, it is always consi- 

 dered a certain symptom of ill health. The owner 

 in this case, procures a piece of string long enough 

 to go round the body of the camel, in which he ties 

 seven knots, at nearly equal distances from each 

 other. As he does this, at each knot, he stops and 

 recites the Fahtah, or first chapter of the Koran, 

 and should he not be able to do this himself, he 

 procures the assistance of some learned friend, who 

 performs that part of the duty for him. At the end 

 of each Fahtah, the knot is spit upon. The string 

 being thus duly consecrated, is then passed under 

 the animal's belly, and tied upon the back, and 

 during the night, generally produces the diuretic 

 eifects desired. 



May 14^.— Staying at Murroo. The first thing 

 I did to-day was to get out some paper I intended 



