Anglo-Esyptian ] 17 RACE (a ) The swamp negroes form the main populationof the Bahr el-Ghazal and Mongallaprovinces. The most important are now the Shilluk, Dinka, Nuer, Beir, Jur, and Bari .

The Shilluk inhabit a thickly populated strip of fertile territory 12 to 20 miles wide, extending along the left bank of the White Nile from Lake No to Jebel Ahmed Agha, and along the right bank from the Sobat to Kodok. They are also found on both banks of the Sobat for 30 or 40 miles up stream . They are exceed ingly brave, and the best fighters in the Sudan . The Dinka , the largest and most important of the swamp tribes, forming several distinct groups in the Bahr el-Ghazal province , are in many ways a strong contrast to the Shilluk . They are generally savage, sullen , and treacherous , conservative and unenterpris ing to the last degree, lazy (only cultivating small crops for immediate use) and indifferent hunters. They are chiefly cattle breeders, and more prosperous than the Shilluk.

The Nuer, who are closely akin to the Dinka, are the most powerful and numerous tribe of the Sobat region Their territory extends along the lower Pibor , Sobat, and Baro rivers.

The Beir, a widely -spread tribe in the Sobat-Pibor district, are as yet unspoilt, and are one of the finest types in the Sudan , making excellent soldiers and scouts. They ownlarge herds of cattle , and have little intercourse with their neighbours .

The Jur, living between Wau and Tonj,on the edge of the ironstone country, are said to be a branch of the Shilluk,but strongly resemble the Dinka , whom they serve. They are expert iron workers, and make the spearheadsused by the swamp races.

The Bari, living on both banks of the Bahr el-Jebel, between Bar andNimule, are a distinct race , with a language related to that of the Masai of Uganda. Under Dervish rule their prosperity was ruined and their spirit broken, and they are now poor and mentally degraded