26 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

suppose through evaporation. What would happen if

we had to depend on them for our lives, we didn't

know, but didn't trouble our heads about it, thinking we should stick to the Nile most of the way.

The equipment ready, the next step was to get our

camels, which were visible about a mile off, at the

camel depot. The sight was an extraordinary one :

rows upon rows upon rows of camels, baggagers and

hygeems (riding camels), of every size, colour, and de-

scription, from the enormous heavy rhinoceros-skinned

transport beast to the small well-bred trotter, only used

for posting and despatches. They came from all parts,

the Delta, Aden, Kosseir, Dongola, and even from

Arabia. These last were few and far between, being

chosen for their swiftness, and consequently very

valuable. Their pace is so smooth, that the test at

the Meccan Tattersall's is for the rider to carry a full

cup of coffee at full trot ; if he spills any, it is

considered that the animal is underbred. The Delta

camels were the weakest, though not the smallest,

whilst the steeds selected for us came mostly from the

parts round about. They were a nice-looking set of