TUARICK CAMELS SERPENTS. 
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greedy old rascal, and would take any advantage 
he could. The same gentleman says that Sakon- 
teroua is only a chicken in his own country — quite 
powerless : if this be the case, his enmity is not of 
so much consequence as I feared. 
The camels of the Tuaricks usually go well, and 
make good hours, because they are not allowed to 
eat on the road. They all march in strings, one 
being tied behind the other ; each string is led on 
by servants or slaves. Thus, when once loaded, 
there is little difficulty on the way. When seen at 
a distance, they resemble a moving mass of troops, 
especially when the mirage multiplies their long 
files. Our camels, however, being all Arab camels, 
cannot be made to go in strings, and are always 
staring about for something whereon to browse. 
I begin to feel better in health. If we could but 
encamp for three or four hours during the heat of 
the day, I have no doubt I should get on well enough. 
There was talk of serpents to-day ; I saw none on 
this route, however. People at Mourzuk are occa- 
sionally bitten by lefas and scorpions, and death 
ensues often. Ammonia has been tried with success 
as a cure. 
July \st. — We were astir at the encampment a 
little after daybreak ; but it takes usually two hours 
to get off, although we have but seven camels. I 
hope our people will be quicker after a little more 
practice. The heat was very troublesome ; and 
nothing could keep the Tuaricks from going on all 
VOL. I. K 
