TRAVELS IN AFRICA, 
CHAP. III. 
FROM ALEXANDRL\ TO RASHID. 
Abii-kir — Fertility of the Country — Defcription of Rafhid — yourney 
to Terane — Fue — Beirut and Demenhur» 
Apt ER a month, paffed in recovering from the efFeds of the 
journey to the weft ward, I prepared for leaving Alexandria. 
For many days boats could not pafs to Rafliid from the con- 
trary winds, and I conftantly preferred going by land, as 
affording the means of more frequent and interefting obferva- 
tion. Reports were fpread, of the road being infefted by 
Bedouins ; but I chofe nither to encounter a flight danger, than 
omit feeing what might offer of the country. Accordingly, on 
the I ft of May, I commenced my journey to Rafhid. We 
were near four hours in reaching the village called ^Ai^jJ Abu-kir, 
on horfeback. 
The road, for about two miles after leaving the gate of 
Rafhid, is marked by many veftiges of buildings, but nothing 
worth obferving. There are alfo many date trees fcattered 
round in the neighbourhood of the canal, and vegetation enough 
to ferve for food for the fmall flocks of the city. About two 
miles from Abu-kir are the ruins of a town, clofe to the fea, 
and a part of them under water. There are alfo fome remains 
of 
