wise, there is no perceptible difference in their appearance
from other Arabs. They are armed, as. aré
all others, with swords and shields ; the latter aré
circular, and are generally formed of rhinoceros hide.
.There are two forms of shields used by the various
tribes pi Arabs; one is a narrow oval, about four feet
-in length, of either bulls or buffalo’s hide, stiffened
by a strong stick which passes down the centre ; the
-other is circular, about two feet in diameter, with a
projection, in the centre as a protection for the hand.
When laid flat upon the ground, the shield somewhat
resembles an immensely broad-brimmed hat, with a
low, crown terminating in a point. In the inside of
the crown is a strong bar of leather as a grip for
the hand, while the outside is generally guarded by
a strip of the scaly hide of a crocodile.'
The skins most prized for shields are those of the
giraffe and the rhinoceros; those of the buffalo and
elephant are likewise in general use, but they are
considered inferior to the former, while the hide of
the hippopotamus is too thick and heavy.
The hide of the giraffe is wonderfully tough, and
combines the great advantage of extreme lightness
with strength. The Arabs never ornament their
shields, they are made for rough and actual service,
and the gashes upon many are proofs of the necessity
of such a protection for the owner.
Aithough there are two patterns of shields among
the Arabs, there is no difference in the form of their
•swords, which simply vary in size according to the