f the river. In crossing we met with many rocks and
one island which offered so many favorable eddies, that we rather
gained than lost ground. The river here is about three-quarters of a
mile wide. On the west shore we found good tracking for about a quarter
of a mile, when again the services of our swimmer were required. Finding
ourselves on an island, Colonel Alleyne being an experienced boatman
said we had done enough for that day and we camped.

On Tuesday, November 4th, we started again with sails and oars. The
river being full of islands we had not the same difficulty as the day
before, and we reached Sarkametto about 10 a. m., well pleased to find
ourselves at the head of these last four cataracts and congratulated
ourselves on having brought the first six boats of the Expedition so
far.

Next morning I received orders to go down with four boats, which order
rather disappointed me, as I had expected to go through to Dongola. I
found out that our trip was a trial only. I took all hands into the four
boats, the officers also coming aboard, and left at 9 a. m.

Now came the tug of war, the shooting of all the cataracts. Coming up we
used all eddies, now we had to avoid them, coming up also if unable to
proceed we could draw back and try another channel, now, everything
depended on quick judgment and prompt action, the more so as keel boats
are not considered fit for rapid work. I ordered my captains to follow
at such distances as to give them time to avoid following should the
leading boat err in the choice of channel. After shooting the Dal
cataract all safe I asked my captains how the boats behaved. All agreed
that they were slow in answering their helm and required close
watching. Travelling between the cataracts against a strong headwind was
slow work and we longed for the next one to get along faster. Shooting
the Dal, there had been much dodging of rocks and islands, which gave
some excitement. In Akaska cataract we discovered a smooth, straight
channel in the middle of the river and not very long.

This shooting of the rapids was a surprise to the Egyptian soldiers, a
number of whom were stationed at every cataract. The natives came
rushing out of their huts with their children, goats and dogs and stood
on the beach to see the North American Indian boatmen. I had more
leisure now to look round. I have not seen the place yet where I would
care to settle down.

The next cataract is Tangur, which I consider