34 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFETCA. 
camels^ that had been sent on for the purpose, returned laden with 
water. The delight with which we beheld them P can never forget, 
and it was with difficulty, from emotion, I could greet them with 
the usual salutation in Arabic, God is great.^^ Halted soon after- 
wards in a delightful valley — the mimosa trees in profusion, some 
herbage too ; butterflies in abundance. Our caravan had remained 
here, as water was found in the rocks close by. Hain had evidently 
fallen plentifully — the flowers of the herbage, yellow and violet- 
coloured, gladdened the eye. We did not rest much, there seemed 
so many things to do and collect. The hawk was let out of his 
basket, and ate the entrails of a pigeon. A venomous snake was 
caught and placed in a bottle. The horses got loose, and I had 
the usual dance after mine. 
At half-past six o^clock started, and reached Suffur at half-past 
eight ; here a lengthened halt was to be made. We revelled in the 
idea ; slept almost immediately ; and did not rise until early on the 
following morning, the 12th. The tents were then put up, and the 
Doctor prepared to take photographic views. The scenery was 
charming — bold hills, luxuriant trees, and in the distance a grand 
ravine. The natural reservoirs were here, and contained, the guide 
said, abundance of rain-water. The servant Ali, several camels 
and men, retraced the route, to pick up the loads and take the cart 
to pieces, as the camels, wearied, would not draw it any longer, 
and the men said they could carry it better. At ten o^ clock they 
started, we firing a salute by way of encouraging them. Petherick, 
myself, and old Mustapha rode to the reservoirs to water the horses. 
They were a long way oflP, and we found it a terrible undertaking 
— the last mile we dismounted and led the horses, for they were step- 
ping on loose and detaehed roeks. The sun was scorching, and this 
intended pleasure-trip proved the only real discomfort I experienced 
