456 CHARACTER OF THE ROAD. 



separated from the rest of the body, if it can be 

 imagined, will represent the gait of these birds 

 when running. Another novelty to me, was a 

 large mass of elephants' dung, that, like a large 

 Stilton cheese, was carried on the shoulder of one 

 of the Hy Soumaulee, who brought it on purpose for 

 me to see, and who claimed a present accordingly for 

 his trouble. I had also given to me on this 

 march, a lump of soft fresh gum-arabic, nearly a 

 pound in weight, and of most agreeable flavour. It 

 reminded me in taste of a green ear of corn. 



I had ridden so far on my mule, but was now 

 glad to dismount, as the trees began to be very 

 numerous and troublesome, for as they were with- 

 out exception, the long-thorned mimosa, my hat was 

 continually being snatched off my head, or my 

 Arab frock torn from my shoulders. There was 

 some danger, too, to my eyes, for I stood a very 

 great chance of having them severely injured by 

 the sudden return of the armed boughs, dragged 

 forward in the first instance by the shouldered spear 

 of the individual who preceded me, as he carelessly 

 pushed his way among the trees. Our path was a 

 very monotonous one, something like travelling 

 through a close wood in England. The shade 

 was agreeable enough, and we certainly did come 

 sometimes to open spots, where a little greensward 

 refreshed the foot by its softness. 



After walking nearly three hours, the number of 

 my informants, crying out, " There is the Hawash ! 



