328 
SAVAGE SUDAN 
atop of the vast accumulations of sticks formed by glossy 
starlings (Lamprocolius), and alongside the eggs lay two dead 
doves. Average dimensions : — 
Weight. Length. Expanse. 
Male (adult). . .4^ lb. 26 ins. 60 ins. 
Female „ . . . si » 2 7 » 66 „ 
The Arab Tribes of the Blue Nile and Binder 
The courtesy of these pastoral folk was charming-. 
They are wholly illiterate, but their industry and skill 
in rude handicrafts surprises. In architecture they are 
experts in utilising- wild Nature’s productions, and their 
primitive houses could scarce be exceeded in comfort, 
having- regard to climatic conditions. By using vegetable 
fibres and flexible boughs, they dispense with nails or 
cord. Bundles of bound-up canes provide door-posts 
and lintel, while the yellow halfa-grass of the wilderness, 
neatly interwoven in rain-resisting style, completes roof 
and walls — windows are not required. What their 
“municipal” arrangements (if any) may be we know 
not; but they live in ordered communities, each village 
having its sheikh who dictates and regulates without 
discussion or dissatisfaction. One incident struck me 
as incongruous. A local sheikh on the Dinder (who was 
most assiduous in attending to our comfort and require¬ 
ments) kept assuring me that I was welcome to shoot 
whatever big-game I might find within his jurisdiction. 
It was kindly meant, but having a full licence from 
the Anglo-Egyptian Government, such local permission 
seemed superfluous ? Fine points in diplomacy lie outside 
my scope; so I acknowledged the courtesy not only in 
thanks, but (what was more to the point) by suitable 
presents of “meat.” 
In the open country, or in the byways of the forest, 
all the Arabs we met would halt, dismount, and salaam. 
One day I remember being held up in thick forest by a 
stiff thorn-fence. While seeking a way through, suddenly 
