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PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY. 
for Aheer; and the reason is now clear to me why- 
it is that En-Noor goes every year with it, and 
directs and superintends its movements. This is the 
greatest service he can render to his country, and 
the Kailouees generally. Without this salt the 
population of Aheer would soon all perish, or emi- 
grate to Soudan. The other commerce of the 
country could not suffice for the support of the 
inhabitants. 
21th. — We had a visit from the people of the 
country before starting; they appear to be a fine 
race of men, whiter than most of the Kailouees, and 
nearly all tall. In these nomade districts the weakly 
children generally die off, leaving only the robust. 
We journeyed on southwards five hours, through 
wadys formed by the force of the waters, gradually 
approaching the great Hamadah. The doom now 
disappeared, and most of the trees dependent on 
much water; for here the wadys are all shallow. 
Footmarks of the ostrich, gazelle, hare, habara, 
and some other interesting animals, cover this por- 
tion of the desert. The gazelles have more room, 
and the ostriches also. The former, besides, are out 
of the way of the lion; for this beast seldom pursues 
its prey across the desert plains. 
People say we shall see many animals in the 
Hamadah, because the lion does not come there. A 
large gazelle was taken this evening by some of the 
caravan. 
A few locusts and many fine butterflies were 
