ferent forms and characters from the high lands
on the edge of the plateau of Mourzuk. The bed of the undulating plain
of Taeeta is covered with pebbles and blocks, of both sand and
limestone. Yesterday I picked up some fossils of the star-fish--the
fixed star-fish, having branches by which it holds to the bottom of the
sea. Some fossils of vegetables were also found. Two or three hours
before reaching the well we descended rapidly into a broad, deep wady,
where were the recent marks of a waterflow. The camels all went well,
ours faster than the Targhee; but these latter, not being allowed to
stray, always make, as a rule, better and more regular journeys.

The Tuaricks themselves are getting more civil. Hateetah already enters
into the idea of a treaty of amity and commerce: he says he will fix the
amount the English merchants are to pay when they attend the mart of
Ghat. The son of Shafou is always represented as a very good fellow; he
is growing more and more civil and companionable. This evening I gave
him a small pair of good scissors, which much delighted him. As for the
other Tuaricks, Hateetah excepted, I make it a rule to refuse what they
ask, otherwise I should be annoyed every day with their importunities.
Hateetah says we must lodge at Ghat with Haj Ahmed, the governor,
outside of the town, to be out of the way of the begging Tuaricks. He
adds, "Always keep the door shut, and when any one calls out for
permission to enter say 'Babo,'--(No one at home!)"

The Germans, like myself, find the fatigue too great to enable them to
continue their observations and writings with regularity. We must not be
extravagant of our health and strength at this early period of our
expedition.

The valley of Tabea is a pleasant place, having herbage for the camels
in abundance, as is the case wherever the ethel-tree is found. There are
several wells with water near the surface, and others might no doubt be
dug all over the wady. Our encampment looked picturesque this evening.
It is the eve of Ramadhan, and our people fired shots here and there to
celebrate the occasion.

_10th._--A halt was arranged for this day. I took the opportunity to
wash and change all my clothes, which I do every three or four days, if
possible. Mr. Hateetah, however, would not allow me to carry on my
domestic arrangements in peace. He came grumbling as usual, wanting
scissors, razors, &c. I cannot fill this craving abyss to the brim. Our
people fast