440 
MAHALLET-EL-KEBEER. 
were not ready to march till it became so hot, as to render our 
march to Mahallet-el-Kebeer very unpleasant. In the time of the 
Beys, one of their body resided in this place, which is the capital 
of the Garbie, or lower division of the Delta. It is a large town, 
containing some good houses, and is surrounded by extensive gar- 
dens ; but like every other place we had visited, is going rapidly 
to decay. Mohammed Ah gave the district to his eldest son, 
whose deputy, the acting Governor, was formerly a Mameluke. I 
had sent on my interpreter to notify to him my approach, and to 
request he would have camels and asses ready for me to continue 
my journey: at first he seemed to care little about the business, 
but on being spoken to in stronger terms, became very civil, sent a 
man to point out a pleasant spot in the gardens for our encamp- 
ment, and immediately on our arrival, came to pay his compli- 
ments in person. Vincenzo recognised in him an old acquaintance, 
and we were the best of friends in a few minutes. 
We were greatly disturbed at learning that the camels of this 
place had all been sent to the army with grain, and we were there- 
fore obliged, howeyer unwillingly, to compel the servant of the 
Cacheef of Seinenoud, to drive on those belonging to his master. 
We purchased six asses, and procured the rest that were necessary. 
The Governor not only sent us bread and sheep, but ordered one of 
his Mamelukes, and a Chaous, to attend us across the Delta, and 
provide for us during the journey. 
The heat was great, but we wished to go on to a village at the 
distaqce of three hours march, where we had an order from our 
friend the Governor to procure the camels we wanted ; but when 
every thing was ready, the men employed to load our camels were 
