CHAPTER III.

Abou-Hammed. — Fortified House of the Sheakh. — Island of Mograt. — Population. — Tax to the Pasha. — Tropical Rains. — Arab Raft. — Fortunate Escape. — Manner in which the Camels pass the River. — Gagi. — Description of the Harem of a Sheakh. — Office hereditary. — Habitation of a Sheakh. — Ethiopian Flies. — Doum Trees. — Abou-Hashim and other Villages. — Cultivation. — Arab Civilities. — Berber Sheep and Goats. — Villages and Islands. — Arab Burial-ground. — General Character of the Country. — Tract of Desert. — Wild Asses. — Fifth Cataract. — Present State of numerous Villages. — Arrival at Makkarif, Capital of Berber 34