Page 382 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

XVII.] COAST OF NUBIA. 355

were numerous wells, two or three feet deep,
affording an abundant supply of excellent
water. We found in their vicinity several
reservoirs constructed of earth baked by
the sun, from two to four feet in height, of
a circular form, and hollowed at the upper
part for the reception of the water, with
which their cattle and camels were supplied.
Numerous flocks of sheep and goats, that
fed on the short grass with which the sur­
rounding country was covered, had assem­

bled about these water troughs. Shortly
after we anchored, a native made his appear­
ance from behind a hillock, and our inter­
preter and pilot were sent to explain the
object of our visit. On receiving a few trifling
presents, he went to a short distance, and
returned with several companions who had
hidden themselves on our approach. After
their first impression of alarm and astonish­
ment at the sight of Europeans had subsided,

a friendly intercourse was speedily established.
To money, as I have already noticed, they
appeared indifferent; but grain and tobacco,
especially the latter, were eagerly demanded.
Their shyness at the approach of strangers
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