CAMP OF SIDI-ALY 
U3 
We followed them soon afterwards, in a N. N. W. 
direction, over a hard soil covered with coarse grey gravel. 
About eight o'clock, we descended into a plain in which 
the vegetation was tolerably fine ; I particularly remarked 
the tamarisk in considerable quantity. The herbage, though 
dry, on account of the season, afforded abundant nourishment 
to our camels. 
The inhabitants of the camp, apprised of our arrival, 
hastened out to meet us : the women presented the children 
to their fathers, who expressed the greatest joy, embracing 
them alternately;, and affectionately returning their caresses. 
I was much struck by this interesting scene, and could not 
avoid comparing it in my mind with the coldness, which 
amongst the Braknas the wife and children of Mohammed- 
Sidi-Moctar had manifested on occasion of his return to his 
family. 
About nine o'clock in the morning, we arrived at the 
dwelling of Sidi-Aly. His camp belonged to the tribe of 
Body ; it was composed of twelve or fifteen tents, covered 
with stuff made of camel's hair, pitched in a spacious plain, 
to the north of which rose high mountains entirely bare 
and running from east to west- My joy on finding myself 
in an inhabited region was extreme ; the idea that hence- 
forth I might quench my thirst at my ease made me forget 
the fatigue of the desert. 
On entering the camp my guide met me laughing, and 
asked me to give him my hand in token of peace : he in- 
quired after my health and even lodged me in the tent of his 
aged sister, who was so prejudiced that she durst not ap- 
proach me. I had soon numerous visits from men and 
women ; for Aly had related to his countrymen the various 
circumstances which had determined me to cross the desert 
on my return to my own country. The women, whom I 
found much more curious than the men, teased me inces- 
santly ; they talked all together, so that I was at a loss which 
