86 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
has been cultivated by an Arab from a village near Bench in Upper 
Egypt. His success has induced others to follow his example_, and 
gradually the numerous islands are being prepared for agriculture. 
The wind was now violent : the dahabyeh rushing through the 
water, all sail being set, and the crew in high spirits, singing 
and playing the tarabooka. At five p.m. touched at an island of 
the Hassaneyeh : a boat was being built there by an Arab, the 
timber of sont or mimosa, and of a colour so red, that I 
thought it was surely painted ; but it was not so, this being 
the natural colour of the wood. In half an hour again set sail, 
passing the islands Jamoos and Nogari, bared for cultivation. On 
the east the island Ombali, covered with brushwood and timber. 
T'locks of birds were flying about, and often a hippo^ would raise 
his huge head out of the water. 
At nine p.m. reached Hellat il Donagla, where there is an arsenal. 
The dahabyeh anchored a short way off the shore ; the sheep were 
put on land, and the soldiers and part of the crew prepared to sleep 
there. 
Monday, March — Petherick, before sunrise, had made 
arrangements for a new mast and yard for the doctors^ boat. From 
here we were to take a carpenter, two sawyers, and a blacksmith 
belonging to the Government, a courtesy granted by His Highness 
Said Pacha. These men will accompany us to the interior, and 
should we arrive at a naHgable water, they are to build a boat to 
explore it. After breakfast, Petherick, accompanied by Foxcroft 
and All, were rowed to a neighbouring island, called Arkadanyeh, 
to shoot. Petherick brought down a fine eagle, and Foxcroft shot 
several beautiful light blue jays : these were to be stuffed. Doves 
and a few aquatic birds were an agreeable addition to the larder. 
