It is found
in considerable numbers throughout the deserts of Northern
Africa, from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. I have seen a
beautiful specimen, nearly all milk-white, in Cairo.--ED.
In this part of the route we frequently fell in with small heaps of
stones; and if we ask what they mean, are invariably told they are the
graves of slave-children who have perished by the way, most probably in
the arms of their mothers. What wonderful tales of sorrow and anguish
could these rocks give, if they were not compelled to eternal dumbness!
What sighs, what shrieks of grief have echoed here! How many tears have
watered this track! These thoughts saddened our way; but they seemed at
the same time to rouse that enthusiasm which is the only adequate ally
to those engaged in such a mission as ours.
The son of Shafou is to leave us at Esalan. I may as well record here,
in form, a list of our grievances against the Tuaricks, for the
information and warning of future travellers:--
1st. They, the Tuaricks, wished to obtain presents from the Germans,
nearly in the same quantity as from myself; or, at least, something
considerable.
2d. They wanted us to remain six weeks in Ghat, to wait for an answer
from Sultan En-Noor at Aheer.
3d. They refused to conduct us to the frontier of Aheer, according to
their agreement at Mourzuk.
4th. They demanded seventy reals for the passage of our free blacks.
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