46 J/TTf THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

Mounted Infantry and the 35th (Sussex). Accordingly next day, after having been inspected by the General, we proceeded to our crossing-place, which rejoiced in the name of Akhir. A worse place for crossing could hardly have been chosen ; the banks on one side were steep and sandy, on the other muddy and slippery. However, with much difficulty, we induced our camels to slither down the bank and into the " nuggers " ready to receive them. These nuggers were the ordinary boats used in those parts ; very solid, one-masted, and generally equal to holding five camels. We were luckily favoured by the wind, and got all our camels (about 170) over in six hours or so. Next day saw us en route for the camp at Shabadud, some twenty miles further on ; and much pleased were we to arrive there.

The Mounted Infantry part of the Camel Corps had arrived some four days before, and got the camp ready for Sir Herbert Stewart's brigade to collect in before starting up stream. The Brigadier-General was already there, and only waiting for the rest of the G.C.R. in order to practise a little drill, and then