Page 171 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

152 SURVEY OF THE [cm.

been blown down, remain where they have
fallen. Intermixed with the trees, there were
some rude huts, about eight feet square, con-
structed with loose stones. We found no
inhabitants, but within them were several
articles, useful or necessary to this simple
people,—a fact which speaks much for the
general honesty of these tribes.

In cases of robbery, it is said the Bedowins
are able by the impression of their footsteps
to distinguish if the plunderers belong to their
own, or to a neighbouring tribe. I have often
had reason to admire their sagacity in this
respect. Two of our Lascars deserted from
the ship at Suez, but although the road was
well beaten, the Bedowins traced them, and
brought them back.
After the dates are gathered, they are
placed in circular enclosures about six feet
high, constructed of cadjans and mud; here
they remain until the sun’s rays have perfectly

dried them ; they are then packed in skins and
transported to other warehouses.
A very remarkable appearance is produced
on the opposite shore by the valleys, which