COMMUNICATIONS, 
197 
From Sce-wah, the capital, the caravan proceeds in a fmgle 
clay to the miferable village of Umfeguer, vvliich is one of the 
dependencies of the State, and is lituatcd at the foot of the 
mountainous Defart of Le Magra, v/here, in the long courfe of a 
feven days palTage, the Traveller is Icarcely feniible that a few 
fpots of thin and meagre brulliwcod flightly interrupt the vaft ex- 
panfe of fteriUty, and diminiili the amplitude of defolation. The 
eighth day terminates v^^ith his arrival at the hill of Huaddy 
L'Ottron, which is dillinguillied by a fmall convent, of three 
Chriftian Monks, who refide there under the protection of Cairo, 
and to whofe hofpitable entertainment the Traveller is largely 
indebted. Buildings, furrounded with high walls, and ereded 
in the neighbourhood of the convent, are opened for his recep- 
tion; and for three fucceffive days, if he chufes to be their gueft 
fo long, his wants, as far as their means extend, are chearfully 
and liberally fupplied. 
Their garden, in which is a v/ell of excellent and never-miling 
water, affords an ample flore of vegetables of various kinds ; the 
maintenance of a few fheep is furniflied by an adjoining paf- 
ture ; and they raife, without difficulty, a numerous breed of 
fovv'ls. All other articles, except their bread, which they ma- 
nufacture themfelves, they receive from Cairo. 
Refpecled 
