abs themselves. We Bedawin do not understand the language nor the
ways of Europeans, and we should like to have one like Ali Effendi,
who knows our way of talking and living, come to teach us and our
children. We would also inform you that the book with pictures,
which you sent to the Sitt Harba, has reached her, and she has
read it with great pleasure, and asks of God to increase your good.
She sends salams to you and to the Sitt, and all your family.

And may you live forever! Salam

MOHAMMED DUKHY.

29 Jemady Akhar
1289 of the Hegira

"Postscript.--There has been a battle between us and the Ruella
tribe, and the Ruellas ate a defeat, Ali Effendi was present and
will give you the particulars."

At the date of this writing, Ali has been again to Mohammed's camp,
taking books and medicines, and has done his utmost to prepare the way
for opening schools among the Bedawin in their own camps. Ali has
brought another letter from Sitt Harba, in which she gives her views
with regard to the education of the Bedawin. I sent several written
questions to her in Arabic, to which she cheerfully gave replies. The
following is the substance of her answers:

I. The Bedawin Arabs ought to learn to read and write, in order to learn
religion, to increase in understanding, and to become acquainted with
the Koran. They profess to be Moslems, but in reality have no religion.

II. The reason why so few of the Bedawin know how to read, is because it
is out of their line of business. They prefer fighting, plundering, and
feeding flocks and herds. Reading and books are strange and unknown to
them.

III. If they wished to learn to read, the true time and place would be
in the winter, when they migrate to the East in the Jowf, where they
are quiet and uninterrupted by government tax-gatherers.

IV. I learned to read in the vicinity of Hums. My father brought for my
instruction a Khoteeb or Moslem teacher, who taught me reading. His name
was Sheikh Abdullah. The Sheikh Mohammed taught me writing.

V. The Bedawin esteem a boy better than a girl, because the boy may rise
to honor, but the girl has nothing to expect from her husband, and his
parents and relatives, but cursing and abuse.

VI. A man may marry four wives. If one of them ceases bearing children,
and she be of his family, he makes a covenant of fraternit