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iv.l SHERM TO SINAI. 61

may be seen at sea off R&s Mohammed, and
also off T6r, but the intervention of the
neighbouring hills prevents it being observed
from any other spot than about eight miles
to the north-eastward of Sherm, from which

situation its summit may be distinguished in
clear weather

Near Sherm there are volcanic rocks which
are not found in any other part of the penin­
sula, and attention has been in consequence
drawn towards them in Europe, but I could not
trace their existence more than three miles
from the beach. The country where they are
found rises into mere hillocks, with none of
the features we might expect to find in Sinai
and its neighbourhood; I therefore attach but
little importance to them.

As the Palinurus was to remain here
for some time, I availed myself of the op­
portunity her stay afforded to proceed to
Sinai; but in consequence of the recent
departure of some pilgrims for Suez, I found
at first a difficulty in obtaining camels, but

the offer of a few additional dollars induced
the Bedowins at length to bring them from
some distance. I left the vessel on the even-