102 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

our steeds, who were already showing signs of short rations and hard work ; their humps were diminishing, the saddles working loose, and sore backs ensued.

Our camels brought back some 400 of the 35th (Sussex) Regiment, who were to garrison the wells, under their Colonel, Vandeleur, whilst we went ahead.

Orders were issued by the General to start the next day but one ; accordingly the intervening day was employed in watering the whole force again, seeing to the arms and ammunition (170 rounds a man), and issuing stores.

As much water as possible was taken in iron camel-tanks, two to a camel, but the condition of our private water-skins and leather bottles was pitiable.

Every man had been served out afresh with both skin and bottle on starting from Korti, and yet barely twenty per cent, of the skins held their full complement of water. Even after every visible hole had been carefully sewn up, and the whole skin thoroughly greased, at the end of the first day's march you would find more than half your water evaporated ; next day the skin would be a damp, flabby bag, and the day