CHAP. I. 
JOURNEY IN THE MOUNTAINS. 
37 
and cattle, we left this place at eight A. M. ; and, ascending the 
side of the Wadey, proceeded during the whole day over a rocky 
flat, perfectly barren, until six P. M., when we stopped, having 
made, north 20° west, thirty miles. We saw this day two large 
vultures, but scarcely within shot of us. 
Saturday, 20th February. — Our road this day improved, and 
we went through several fertile Wadeys, and over plains of fine 
grass. We passed also several herds of female camels, with their 
young, and many flocks of sheep. At three, our road began to 
rise, and we saw many tents of the Arabs of Terhoona 
who were attending their flocks : some of them were changing 
their quarters, and we were much amused by different parties, 
who were travelling on the same road as ourselves. Women 
and children were riding the camels, which were also laden with 
their tents and furniture. At seven, we came amongst the moun- 
tains, and arrived at the w^ells of Melghra I^AU, which have ex- 
cellent water. There are several little streams from the sides 
of the hills, which run through the valley ; and there is much game 
here, principally partridges and snipes. 
Sunday, 21st February. — At eight A. M., we left the wells, and 
passed through winding defiles at the foot of the mountains until 
noon, when we cleared them, and opened on a sandy plain, covered 
in some places with verdure, and having great quantities of the 
Khandal JjJ^ or Colycynth. On passing some Arab tents, the 
children brought us small roots, of the shape of young potatoes ; 
but resembling mushrooms in taste, smell, and tenderness. They 
grow in the sand, and the Arabs call them Terfaas tjJ^j. We 
here drank some camel's milk for the first time. It is much less 
rich than that of a cow, and saltish to the taste. We also 
procured a skin full of sour butter-milk, which is much esteemed 
by the Arabs, who call it Libban J^. It is never drank in a 
