122 JOURNEY FROM by Strabo; and where that part of the low ground, which could, at any time, be covered with water, is too narrow to interfere with the general character of the geographer’s lake. Sooleb has the advantage of some tolerable pasturage, and is in consequence occupied by flocks of sheep and goats, the property of several Arab Shekhs, and which are chiefly tended by negro slaves, who dwell in scattered tents with the animals confided to their charge. The sight of a little vegetation was by no means unwelcome to us after the dismal prospect afforded by the barren flats we had just passed ; and the dreary uncultivated wilds of Sooleb assumed, by comparison, some appearance of interest, to which Sahsbury plain or Newmarket heath might perhaps be more justly entitled ; and which a draught or two of milk, that we were able to procure there, may probably have in some degree contributed to heighten. This refreshment was here more peculiarly welcome, as the water of Sooleb is too bitter, brackish, and stinking, to be drank without the greatest disgust : the purchase of a lamb, also, added meat to our board, which we had not tasted since we left Mesurata. In addition to these luxuries, we received a present from Shekh Mahommed, of a bowl of cuscusu, and another of bazeen ; and his liberahty was equally extended to the whole of our party.

We were at a loss, when the smoking dishes were ushered into our tent, escorted by no less a person than the Dhbbah himself, to conjecture what could possibly have occurred to occasion this display of Arab munificence ; but we soon learnt that Sooleb was the northern limit of the district of Syrt, and that we had entered the territory over which the Dhbbah presided; who had in consequence taken these