a village of mixed Arabs on the East bank—
anchored.
21 si Dec.—All day busy clearing decks, caulking
ship, and making room for the camels on the
noggors, as this is the village to which I had previously
sent two men to select camels and to have them in
readiness for my arrival. The men have been selecting
sweethearts instead; thus I must wait here to-morrow,
that being the “ Soog ” or market day, when I shall
purchase my camels and milch goats. The banks of
the river very uninteresting, flat, desert, and mimosa
bush. The soil is not so rich as on the banks of the
Blue Nile—the dhurra (grain) is small. The Nile is
quite two miles wide up to this point, and the high-
water mark is not more than five feet-above the present
level. The banks shelve gradually like the sands at
low tide in England, and quite unlike the perpendicular
banks of the Blue Nile. Busy at gunsmith’s work.
The nights and mornings are now cold, from 60 to 62 o O 7
Fahr. Johann makes me very anxious : I much fear
be cannot last long, unless some sudden change for the
better takes place.
22c? Dec.—Selected two fine camels and shipped
them in slings with some difficulty. Bought four
oxen at nine herias each (15s.); the men delighted
a t the work of slaughtering, and jerking the meat for
the voyage. Bought four milch goats at 9 ps. each,
and laid in a large stock of dhurra straw for the
animals. Got all my men on board and sailed at
4.30 p.m., course due west; variation allowed for. I
have already reduced my men from wolves to lambs,
and I should like to see the outrageous acts of mutiny
which are the scape-goats of the traders for laying
their atrocities upon the men’s shoulders. I cannot
agree with some writers in believing that personal
strength is unnecessary to a traveller. In these savage
countries it adds materially to the success of an exr
pedition, provided that it be combined with kindness of
manner, justice, and unflinching determination. Nothing
impresses savages so forcibly as the power to punish and
reward. I am not sure that this theory is applicable to
savages exclusively. Arrived at Wat Shely at 9 p.m.
23c? Dec.—Poor Johann very ill. Bought two
camels, and shipped them all rig h t: the market at
this miserable village is as poor as that at Getene.
The river is about a mile and a half wide, fringed with
mimosas; country dead fla t; soil very sandy; much
cultivation near the village, but the dhurra of poor
quality. Saw many hippopotami in the river. I
much regret'that I allowed Johann to accompany me
from Khartoum; I feel convinced he can never rally
from his present condition.
D 2