erts; the trees, which somewhat
change from the aspect of those in Central Sahara, are the immensely
large tholukhs, some of them covered with parasitical plants; the doom
palm, and the souak tree. I have also seen the ethel hereabouts.

The houses of Seloufeeat and Tintaghoda have, however, a true African
aspect, being thatched with leaves of the doom palm. Some of them are
sheds, with a roof supported by four poles, under which the people
repose in the shade by day and by night shelter themselves from noxious
vapours.

The most extraordinary reports are beginning to circulate about us and
our affairs. It has been confidently spread about that the three Azgher,
who followed us from Tajetterat, had a letter in their possession, which
they were to show to all the population beyond the Ghat territory,
written by Khanouhen, to the effect that we were to be murdered, as soon
as we got beyond that territory, by whomsoever the attempt might be
made.

Another report is, that the sixty maharees, said to have been in pursuit
of us at Taghajeet, did actually arrive at that district, but finding us
too far ahead for them they returned; they came by the way of Tuat.
These Haghars were to have fallen upon us during the night, and murdered
all of us, even the Tanelkums, except Oud-el-Khair and two others. There
is a route which leads direct to Tuat from Taghajeet, and also another
from Aisou to Tuat.

With regard to the marabouts, they seem quiet enough. It would appear
there is an enormous fellow amongst them, who every year, during one
night, flies to Mekka and back again.

They report to the people that, insomuch as we are recommended by the
great Sultan of the Turks, Abd-el-Majeed, by the Pasha of Tripoli, and
all his marabouts, by the Pasha and great marabouts of Mourzuk, by all
the big and mighty people of Ghat and the Haghars, but more especially
as they have found our names written in their books, and that we were to
come to them and visit their holy city,--with a thousand other such
reasons--they (the marabouts) have determined to receive us with open
arms. The marabouts of all countries pretend to find events written
plainly, or shadowed forth, in their books.

After giving away about a hundred and fifty pounds sterling, the
greatest part, however, forced gifts, we have received our first present
in Aheer, viz. two melons, some onions, and a small quantity of wheat
this evening, from Haj Bashaw, the influential man o