able to pack some sixty pounds apiece. Thus, indeed,
we started, but soon relinquished our loads to a horseman
whom we had engaged for the journey.
Nevertheless, from time to time I had occasion to reload
my machine—-a “ Rover,” which, with carriers, etc.,
weighed 40 lbs.— till it and I and the baggage together
scaled 300 lbs., in which condition I rode it easily over
pavements and stony roads, or up slight hills. On my
return, in crossing Paris like this, the greatest interest
was aroused, and I was more than once asked if I were
not moving house 1 A well-filled i 8in. “ Gladstone ” on the
frame behind; a good-sized hold-all above the handles;
a luncheon basket below, containing spirit-lamp, kettle,
and tea things ; a packed valise inside the frame, with
a sun umbrella strapped alongside; a water-can between
the cranks, and a tin of oil below the seat, formed the
full equipment: I found it enough.
Such tracks as there are in Morocco are those formed
by beasts of burden, eight or nine inches wide, frequently
worn so deep that our pedals struck on one
^RoadfeS ^°T bank or the other in descending, sometimes
with such sudden force that the machine was
lifted off the ground. Often so many stones or so much
sand filled the track that we had to run outside on the
grass or ploughed land, over which I soon got accustomed
to bowl with ease, if not pleasure. Such careful guiding
too, was required on account of these stones, that I expected
to be duly qualified for tight-rope riding upon
my return. Often the tracks led down into gullies, into
which one would wildly plunge— since they were almost
always dry— rising up the other side with a bound that
was most delicious.
Other variations in a ride which might have grown
monotonous were constantly afforded by the wonder and
astonishment of all whom we encountered. The time
was that of harvest— in May— and right and left the
reapers started up with shouts to one another and
raced after us. Some, no doubt, thought we were
“ flying devils,” but they could not make out our
machines.
A GOOD PIECE OF ROAD IN RAHAMNA.
(Through a disused grave-yard.)
Photograph by Dr. Rudduck.
“ But what sort of beast are you riding? We thought
it must be a ‘ drinker of wind,’ ”— whereby ^ ^
is denoted a certain fleet camel used on the Natives.
desert, seldom now seen in Morocco.
“ Why, dear no; it’s only a mule, a Nazarene mule,
you know,”— for everything outside Morocco is either
called Roman or Nazarene.
“ You don’t mean to say so 1 How do you breed
them?”
“ Well, you can see for yourself from its speed that