EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 289 
reach the well. In their perfons the Furians are not remark- 
able for cleanlinefs. Though obferving as Mohammedans all the 
fuperftitious formalities of prayer, their hair is rarely combed, 
or their bodies completely waflhed. The hair of the pubes and 
axillas it is ufual to exterminate ; but they know not the ufe of 
foap ; fo that with them polifhing the fkin with unguents holds 
the place of perfedt ablutions and real purity. A kind of 
farinaceous pafte is however prepared, which being applied with 
butter to the fkin, and rubbed continually till it become dry, 
not only improves its appearance, but removes from it acci- 
dental fordes, and ftill more the effed: of continued tranfpir- 
ation, which, as there are no baths in the country, is a confi- 
deration of fome importance. The female flaves are dexterous 
in the application of it, and to undergo this operation is one of 
the refinements of African fenfuality. Their intervals of labour 
and reft are fixed by no eftablifhed rule, but governed by in- 
clination or perfonal convenience. Their fatigues are often re- 
newed under the oppreffive influence of the meridian fun, and 
in fome diftrids their nightly flumbers are interrupted by the 
dread of robbers, in others by the mufquitoes and other incon-- 
veniences of the climate. 
An inveterate animofity feems to exift between the natives of 
Fur and thofe of Kordofan. From converfations with both 
parties I have underftood that there have been almoft continual 
wars between the two countries as far as the memory of in- 
dividuals extends. One of the caufes of this hoftility appears 
to be their relative pofition ; the latter lying in the road be- 
P P tween 
