alms
rise in abundance on all sides; gardens surround the wells; and animals
feed about on the plain. The scenery is quite rich, and even suggests
the idea of fertility. The Tuaricks possess many similar fine valleys.

We started late next day from Berket, and made only four hours to a
well. Here it was necessary to wait for Waled Shafou, and the three
extra camels which we have hired to go with us to Aheer. The scenery
resembles that of yesterday; but there is not so much herbage, and the
palms are absent. Probably the date-palms of Berket are the last trees
of this species which we shall see until our return. The olive-district
has long ago been left behind; and now the columnar date-palm is also to
be among the things that were. They report, however, that there is a
diminutive species in Aheer. We shall greet this dwarf-cousin of our old
friend with pleasure.

We are on our way to meet the Kailouee Tuaricks, with whom we have
arranged in Ghat to conduct us by Aheer to Zinder--a service for which
we have already paid a hundred dollars of the money of Ghat. They are a
company of merchants returning to their own country, and although they
will probably protect us to a certain extent, can scarcely inspire so
much confidence as Waled Shafou would have done. We travelled four hours
on the 26th. Dr. Barth was again lost this evening, having pushed on in
his usual eager way for about half an hour. We were filled with alarm.
There were two roads dividing at a certain place, one direct and the
other turning off at an angle. Naturally, the Doctor followed the
straight road, which proved to be the wrong one. However, knowing he had
gone on before, my fears were awakened when we reached the fork; and I
immediately fired several guns, and ordered a search to be commenced.
The guns not only served as guides to Dr. Barth, but introduced us to
the Kailouees, who were close at hand, and came running to meet us.
Their appearance, for I scarcely know what reason, sent a thrill of joy
through our frames; and the weariness and discouragement we had brought
with us from Ghat disappeared. We entertained great hopes of these new
companions. The first impression they produced was good; for they
greeted us most cheerfully, and began helping to unload the camels. They
have several female slaves with them, and muster in all some twenty
persons and about thirty camels; so that, altogether, we shall form a
very respectable caravan.

We rose ear