CHAPTER I

THE COAST

Siwa — Whereabouts — The ex-Khedive and Germans — The ancient Libyans — The coastal belt — The Mariut Railway — Mersa Matruh — The Bay — Antony and Cleopatra — Greek Traders — Motor Maniacs — Sponge fishers — From Matruh to Sollum — Barrani and Bagbag — Sollum Bay — Western Desert Arabs, characteristics, tents, carpets, appearance, marriage customs, women — An Arab meal — “Gold tooth” — Buried money — Horses — Hawking — Silugi hounds — Hunting — Shooting — The Scarp — Flowers — The Rains — Houses — The Cruiser _Abdel Moneim_ — A tripper 1