188 AFRICAN WANDERINGS.

with the most hideous grimaces, and ever and anon spitting in the sick man's face ; a fresh egg is also necessary, but how used, we have not been able to discover. By this praying, spitting, grimacing, and writing of amulets, some of which are hung on the sick man, and some eaten by him, are cured all diseases without distinction. K the sick man is rich, then three black or white kids or lambs are necessary, which, of course, the Faki afterwards retains as his own share ; from the poorer classes he requires hens, or a goat, ere he takes his leave. A Turk of the train of Ibrahim Kaschef professed to write charms against tlie ferendit, and was so convinced of their unfailing virtues, that in the presence of the Pascha, he pledged his head on their efficacy. Whether he was put to the proof we know not, but the common remedy for it is fire or butter; the latter, indeed, is a remedy for all diseases, and not in spoonfuls, but morning and evening a pound or two, and sometimes as much as six pounds are taken (drunk) daily. Many healthy persons in Bellad-Sudan, as well as in Beni Amer, Taka, and elsewhere, drink every morning fasting from three to six pounds of butter, as they fancy that this makes and keeps them strong (schedied), and this belief is general. Most of the rich and respected men are also the fat and stout, and the common saying is, they have no want of butter (dich'n). But we feel the want of many things, especially of our mid-day's siesta, for the Pascha generally passes his noon under the large tree, one side of which we occupy (this is by far the finest tree we have seen in Bellad-Sudan, and would afford shelter to at least fifty men), and either has people with him to whom he talks, or is ever clattering with the dice at triktrak (tauola), which' game he often plays at for four or five hours together, without heeding aught else. Topschi Baschi, the chief of the artillery, has the honour of playing with him, and he cannot count at any time on an hour's repose, as it often pleases the Pascha, who sleeps but little, to send for him at night to his tent ; and he, wearied or sick as he may be, must, of course, attend. As little, too, is to be envied the lot of the Copt, Mallen Challill, Achmct's private secretary, who, during the day, is summoned at least twenty times to his master ; during the whole time he is in the presence, often three or four hours, he must ever stand, and at night, when his Excellency cannot sleep,