Page 71 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

52 TOR TO SINAI. [CH.

any large quantity, it is said to prove a mild
laxative. In this respect, therefore, it bears a
resemblance to the manna of commerce; but
here it is only collected in seasons after heavy
rains, and has sometimes been withheld for a
period of seven years. From its having re­
tained the name, and being found in such a
locality, the thoughts naturally wander to the
event recorded in Holy Writ; and though

well pleased, could we establish a further
identity with the substance there described,
yet, when we are told the latter rained from
heaven, was collected during six days only,
and would not keep more than one, we are
compelled, however reluctantly, to abandon
further expectation of doing so.
Amidst the tamarisk bushes in this valley,
some of which are from fifteen to twenty feet
high, birds are very numerous; we also ob­

served the red-legged and common Desert
partridge, quails, doves, pigeons, martens,
swallows, hawks, eagles, &c. During my
present stay in the peninsula, we always
shot on our route a sufficiency of game for
our daily meals.
A few hours after sunset, we halted near a