THE TELEGBAPH. 295 tte telegraph again at Shallota ; it reminded us strongly of home to hear the wind murmuring along the line. The telegraph-posts are 100 yards apart, and the cost is said to have been about 5Z. a post ; but including camel transport and labour, I do not think it could have been far short of lOZ. a post.

Each post is of hollow iron, and is made in two parts ; it fits into a good iron socket which is BASCHOB.

buried in the sand. In some parts small thorn hedges were placed round the posts to protect them, as the cattle are apt to rub themselves against them.

The telegraph has only been disturbed twice by wild animals since it has been put up. The natives are very frightened at the " Silk," as it is called.