116 
DEPARTURE OF THE GERMANS. 
of Algeria. The answer returned was, " Come and 
take the tribute ! " 
llth. — The gardens continue to attract my 
evening strolls. Every one is now busy sowing 
ghaseb, and I passed a half hour in working with 
some cheerful labourers at the preparation of the 
ground, smoothing the soil in the squares for irriga- 
tion. They were amused at my voluntary industry. 
I sleep now late of mornings after my evening 
exercise in the gardens, and find myself the better 
for it. 
Perhaps the first melons ever eaten at Mourzuk 
appeared on Mr. Gagliuffi's table about this time ; 
they were very good. 
l'2th. — The Germans were preparing to start 
early in the morning; they are obliged to lighten 
everything, and reduce each camel load to two and 
a-half, or even two cantars. The Tuaricks will not 
carry more ; generally their maharees are small, and 
they have few^ stray camels. The Germans went off 
in good style and great spirits. They propose to 
accompany a caravan of Tanelkum Tuaricks, who 
go by way of Aroukeen, leaving Ghat far on the 
right. I was not able to persuade them to delay 
their departure, so that we might all travel together: 
but it may be expected that they will not find it so 
very easy or safe to get through this country without 
the special protection of those who claim authority 
over it. 
Two or three clays ofgheblee succeeded — unplea- 
