t is a rocky plateau, upon which was a
convent, or monastery, and some buildings used by the management of the
Canal. Here, during February, Sir Archibald Murray established his
headquarters.

The town of Ismailia is situated near the north-western edge of the
lake, and in 1916 contained about 12,000 inhabitants, one-fourth of
which were foreigners, mostly French and Italians. The Australians found
the place quite attractive, taking especial delight in the gardens, some
of which contained the familiar bougainvillaea in full bloom, and in the
shade afforded by the fine avenues of lebboks and magnolias. The native
bazaar attracted those who had money to spend on local manufactures;
whilst a very fine clubhouse afforded means for rest and refreshment to
those officers whom leave or duty brought across the Canal.

[Illustration: FERRY POST.
Showing the Suez Canal where it enters Lake Timsah.
Ismailia in the distance.
_Photo. lent by Mr. Yeldon._]

[Illustration: FERRY POST.
The landing place on the East bank. General Legge waiting for the
High Commissioner.]

At varying times during the 24 hours vessels passed north and south
along the waterway. Freighters, transports bringing reinforcements from
Australia (including the 8th/28th), or troops to augment the army in
Mesopotamia, and well known mail steamers such as the "Osterley," all
came into view and in a few minutes travelled beyond. Often news was
exchanged with those on shore and sometimes occurred the mutual
recognition of friends. At night time sleepers, awakened by the flash of
a search light in their faces, sat up and observed the approach of the
larger craft, with the assistance of powerful arc lights affixed to
their bows, cautiously navigating the channels.

From the foregoing description of the life and environment of those who
dwelt at Ferry Post, it may be gathered that, although their daily lot
was a hard one, it was sufficiently full of incident to banish monotony.
Without such incident existence would have been intolerable. Nature
herself seemed to be almost somnolent in these parts, for, besides a few
chameleon-like lizards, a stray jackal or hawk, and a plentiful supply
of small black beetles which stood on their heads when interfered with,
all other forms of life were absent. Even vegetation was reduced to a
few rushes and a very occasional stunted bush.

At Tel-el-Kebir an increase in the popularity of gambling had been
noted. Greater leisure a