BASBI-BAZOUKS. 59 think nothing of stealing their sheep, or anything they can lay hands upon.

By far the worst soldiers in the Soudan are undoubtedly the irregulars (Bashi-Bazouks) ; and I can fully indorse the opinion of Lieut.-Col. Stewart in his report on the Soudan recently presented to Parliament. In pointing out the great harm done by employing the Bashi-Bazouks in the collection of the taxes, he says, " Many, if not most, of these men, are very indifferent characters. They are mostly swaggering bullies, robbing, plundering, and ill-treating the people with impunity. Probably, for every pound that reaches the treasury, these men rob an equal amount from the people. They are a constant menace to public tranquillity. As soldiers they are valueless, having no discipline, nor, except in talk, do they exhibit any extraordinary courage."