tlie rainy season was the signal for fevers. All the
camels of the Arabs were being driven from the
country; we had already met many herds travelling
northward, but this day’s march was through crowds
of these animals, principally females with their young,
many thousands of which were on the road. Some of
the young foals were so small that they could not
endure the march; these were slung in nets upon the
backs of camels, while the mother followed behind.
We revelled in milk, as we had not been able to
procure it since we left Cassala. Some persons dislike
the milk of the camel; I think it is excellent
to drink pure, but it does not answer in general
use for mixing with coffee, with which it immediately
curdles ; it is extremely rich, and is considered by the
Arabs to be more nourishing than that of the cow.
To persons of delicate health I should invariably recommend
boiled milk in preference to plain ; and
should the digestion be so extremely weak that liquid
milk disagrees with the stomach, they should allow it
to become thick, similar to curds and whey ; this
should be then beaten together, with the admixture of
a little salt and cayenne pepper ; it then assumes the
thickness of cream, and is very palatable. The Arabs
generally prepare it in tbis manner; it is not only
considered to be more wholesome, but in its thickened
state it is easier to carry upon a journey. With an
apology to European medical men, I would suggest
that they should try the Arab system whenever they
prescribe a milk diet for a delicate patient. The first
operation of curdling, which is a severe trial to a weak
stomach, is performed in hot climates by the atmosphere,
as in temperate climates by the admixture of
rennet, &c. ; thus the most difficult work of the
stomach is effected by a foreign agency, and it is
spared the first act of its performance. I have witnessed
almost marvellous results from a milk diet
given as now advised.
Milk, if drunk warm from the animal in hot
climates, will affect many persons in the same manner
as a powerful dose of senna and salts. Our party
appeared to be proof against such an accident, as they
drank enough to have stocked a moderate-sized dairy.
This was most good-naturedly supplied gratis by
the Arabs,
It was the season of rejoicing ; every one appeared
in good humour ; the distended udders of thousands
of camels were an assurance of plenty. The burning
sun that for nine months had scorched the earth, was
veiled by passing clouds ; the cattle that had panted
for water, and whose food was withered straw, were
filled with juicy fodder; the camels that had subsisted
upon the dried and leafless twigs and branches,
now feasted upon the succulent tops of the mimosas.
Throngs of women and children mounted upon camels,
protected by the peculiar gaudy saddle hood, ornamented
with cowrie-shells, accompanied the march ;
thousands of sheep and goats, driven by Arab boys,
were straggling in all directions'; baggage-camels,
heavily laden with the quaint household goods,
blocked up the way; and fine bronzed figures of