A DEWDEOP. 
15 
— a fifteen-incli fringe of thinly-cut thongs of leather — tied round the 
loins ; the boys were in nature^s livery^ and were young imps revel- 
ling in the dust_, and similar pastimes. Food was so scarce_, that had 
it not been for cases of preserved meats^ &c.^ from Crosse and Black - 
welFs^ we should have fared badly. There was but little game^ and 
during our stay only a few doves were bagged : in the evenings_, how- 
ever_, we had some success in fishing. The people use a spear attached 
to a long cordj and when a fish of large size is seen^ they throw the 
spear with force^ and generally capture the fish. We daily observed 
the rapid rising of the Nile : our landmarks were one by one swept • 
away^ and a little promontory on which the fishing-rods were placed 
at sunset for our use^ with rugs_, a casting-net^ &c._, had disappeared 
one morning — the river had covered it. 
The Egyptians and Arabs believe that at midnight^ on June 17th^ 
a blessed drop of dew falls from heaven^ and from .that moment 
the river increases. The night is kept as a festival ; many pray in 
the mosques ; the boats are bedecked with flags j firearms are dis- 
charged constantly^ and the women along the banks zacliareet wildly. 
When this drop was supposed to fall^ we were in the dahabyeh 
oflP Boulac (the Port of Cairo) . The enthusiasm of our crew 
became almost frantic ; they sang_, and beat drums^ and fired^ the 
whole night. After this date the river changed its colour. It is 
first of a green hue^, and in a fortnight it becomes reddish^ very 
thick,, and it is impossible to drink it with any feeling of satisfac- 
tionj unless filtered. The means used are simple enough : the 
water is poured into large porous earthen jars,, and with it a small 
portion of alum : if this is not to be had,, a handful of lentils (like 
our dried pease) answers as well. 
On August 15 /A we amused ourselves by inflating our India- 
