TRAVELS IN THE SAHARA^ 
to France by Tangier, from which tliey sailed oil 
the 31st of July 1784. The acquaintance with 
the manners of the Arabs of the desert, which M* 
Saugnier obtained, during his residence in the Sa- 
hara, proved afterwards, as we have seen, of the 
greatest utility in his voyage up the Senegal to 
Gallam, when one of his vessels was stranded on 
the territory of the Trasarts, a Moorish tribe, and 
enabled him to preserve his property. His deli- 
neation of Nomadic manners appears to be fair and 
accurate, and untinctured by the prejudices of ci- 
vilized society. 
Of the Monselemines, — That part of Bilidulge- 
rid which borders on the territories of Marocco, is 
inhabited by the Monselemines, who differ in their 
religion and customs, both from the Moors of Bar- 
bary, and the Mongearts of the desert. This na- 
tion is composed of the descendants of the ancient 
Arabs, intermingled with fugitive Moors from Ma- 
rocco, and occupies a space of land, the limits of 
which are indicated by lofty columns placed at in- 
tervals, towards the desert. Their territory ex- 
tends from about 80 leagues beyond Cape Non, to 
the distance of 20 leagues from St Croix, or Aga- 
deer. Though of different qualities, it is, for the 
most part, very fertile, and produces the necessa- 
ries of life with little cultivation. The plains are 
watered by an infinite number of streams, and 
abound with palm, date, fig, and almond . trees. 
