MERGE TO GYRENE. 
409 
measures towards effecting a reconciliation. In the mean time we 
continued to get on very well, and were convinced that if we did so 
we should soon be rejoined by the deserters ; accordingly, before the 
day was concluded the whole party returned, and of their own 
accord entered upon their several duties as before, just as if nothing 
had happened. This was precisely what we had expected, and we 
made no comments either upon their arrival or departure as if we 
had been indifferent to both. Abou-Bukra was now all civility, and 
his people drove the camels much better than ever they had done 
before! Towards the close of the day we arrived at some Arab tents, 
and pitched our own close to them for the night, in a valley for 
which we could obtain no name ; but which, whatever might have 
been its title, was certainly a very delightful one. During the last 
two days a hot sirocco wind had been blowing, which rendered the 
travelling extremely oppressive, especially during the heat of the 
day ; on the afternoon of the third day, however, it suddenly 
changed to the north-west and brought a smart shower of rain, which 
cooled the air a good deal, and was the first which we had had for 
some time. 
The country from Margad to Grenna, the present Arab name for 
Cyrene, is of the same hilly nature as that already described ; but on 
approaching Cyrene it becomes more clear of wood, the vallies 
produce fine crops of barley, and the hills excellent pasturage for 
cattle. 
It may here be proper to mention that, on the day after our 
departure from Merge, we observed a plant about three feet in 
