The shaboot, which is a type of carp, but smaller, about a span in length. Many varieties enter from the sea. Also found in the lower Nile, near Rashid and Fua, is a type of fish with a shell that is born at the end of the Nile when fresh water mixes with saltwater. This shell is called the "dalbins." It is a small shell with flesh inside, containing a black pearl, which is its head. The people of Rashid salt it and send it to all parts of Egypt. The Nile has many stories and wonders within its depths, some of which we will mention in their proper place in this book, with God's help. As for the land of Nubia, which we have mentioned, it includes the city of Dush, and it is six days from the city of Nuwayn. It is a short distance from the Nile, and its location is south of the equator. Its inhabitants are few, and its trade is limited. Its land is hot, dry, and very arid. Its people drink from springs that feed the Nile there. It is at the base of the kingdom of Nubia, and the king of Nubia is called Kasel, which is the name of the kings of Nubia. His palace and seat of government are in the city of Dunqulah. The city of Dunqulah is on the west bank of the Nile, and its people drink from it. Its people are Sudanese, the best of the Sudanese. Their food consists of barley, millet, and dates, which are brought to them from neighboring lands. Their drink is made from millet, and the meats they consume are camel meat, which they slaughter and cook with camel milk. As for fish, they are very large. In their land are giraffes, ostriches, and gazelles. From the land of Nubia is the city of Alwah, which is on the bank of the Nile, south of the city of Dunqulah. The distance between them is a journey of days through the desert. Their water is from the Nile, and they drink