6 
a swampy marsh, which prevented their progress, 
We succeeded, however, in advancing by the help of 
poles. The pilot, who had a great knowledge of the 
banks, ordered the men into the water: they swam 
eight or ten toises distance, when they found two feet 
of water only: they then commenced towing again. 
At this spot I observed a fisherman, seated upon a 
raft composed of eight or ten planks, which another 
man, who walked in the water, pushed on gently by 
degrees. When they observed any fish, they cast their 
net into the water; and when they were successful 
they killed the fish, by biting them with their teeth; 
after which they again commenced their operations. 
The vessels which descend the Nile proceed without 
sails or oars; and when the current is strong the pilots 
. allow them to run with it,*' guiding them at the prow 
by means of a long oar, which three or four men keep 
continually in motion. 
We were attacked by a multitude of flies, which 
annoyed us excessively. There were but a few 
gnats; and they made their appearance during the night. 
Towards ten o'clock we stopped a short time upon 
the left bank, to allow the crew to rest and t© break- 
fast. The water was so deep, that we were enabled to 
touch the bank, without the keel striking the bottom. 
I was even able to pluck some reeds that grew at the 
water's edge. 
They began again to tow about eleven; and soon 
after we passed between the villages of Schemschera 
and Fizarra, situated upon the right and left banks of 
the river. 
* I now observed the true cause why the negroes upon the 
Niger go without sails or oars. — Note of Ali Bey. 
