CHAPTER XI.

CROSSING A LARGE MOUNTAIN-RIDGE, AND ENTERING ON THE OPEN GRAVELLY DESERT 108

The Town of Bárakat—The Date-groves of Bárakat and their Inhabitants—Alpine Lake—The Tawáti—High Mountain Pass—Deep Ravine of Égeri—Threatened Attack—Region of Granite Commences—Desert Plain of Mariaw—Afalésselez—Approach to Tropical Climes—Wild Oxen (“bagr el wahsh”) in the Desert—Nghákeli, New Vegetation (_Balanites Ægyptiaca_).