Dr. Overweg examined the sand, which rolled in great heaps on every
side, and found it to consist of grains of four kinds,--white, yellow,
red, and black; the latter colour caused by the presence of iron. These
variegated sands form the basis of sandstone, and may be a decomposition
of sandstone. The sand near Tripoli is of a finer sort, consisting
mostly of a decomposition of limestone. There is a blue-black earth in
the wadys, arising from the wood, a species of crumbling coal.
This evening we had a famous _embroglio_ between our chaouch and the
marabout. The latter had caught a waran, or large species of lizard, and
skinned it to dispose of the skin. The chaouch impudently swore he had
been eating the flesh of the reptile--a direful accusation. A tremendous
war of words ensued; and not of words only, for presently the holy man
came in for a gratification of ropes' end. All the Fezzanees rushed
forward to save the honour of the marabout; and the chaouch retreated to
my tent in search of arms. A stupid joke was on the point of leading to
murder. I interfered, and succeeded in appeasing the storm in some
degree. I then rated the chaouch soundly for beating a man invested with
a sacred character in the eyes of all Musulmans. This produced a good
effect, and the culprit, hanging his head, seemed ashamed of the part he
had played. Subsequently he kissed the hand of the holy man, and they
were reconciled.
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