MAKRAKA FRISURES. 373 bably thinking to escape a request for porters; so, after a deluge of rain, we were compelled to leave a number of our loads behind, to be forwarded later on, and we then continued our tramp through the mud, and crossing Khor Torre, a swampy runnel, we reached Ondebiri.

The chief, Gigo, is an old, grey-bearded man, very tall, with well-arranged locks and a pointed, waxed beard; he is a celebrated tippler, and was accompanied by fifteen portly -Venuses wearing aprons of leaves. I noticed here again the luxuriant growth of hair which distinguishes the Makraka from their neighbours. It is seen in both men and women, and they construct most wonderful frisures by carefully arranging it in small plaits and locks, saturated with fat, — gum, and red iron-clay. When their hair is let down, the Makraka women remind one forcibly of the Abyssinians, such as those seen in Gadaref. After a short march, we reached the road coming from Makraka-Sugdire, and then passed through fields, where a number of runnels had to be crossed. When we reached the station at midday, we were received by Nyam-Nyam playing upon musical instruments, singing Makraka, screaming Bari women, and the inhabitants of the village —a curious spectacle, which was rendered the more impressive by the appearance of the Indian elephants which marched up to greet us.

The zertbas of Kabayendi cover a considerable extent of ground, which is usually cultivated, but having been exhausted, it is now left fallow for a time, and is covered by short grass. Few trees are seen, for they have been used up by the large population. Plenty of water can be obtained in Khor Menze ; it is, however, coloured red, and tastes strongly of iron. On this account wells are dug at a short distance from the for, and cold drinking-water is obtained from them, of a dirty white colour, and still tasting strongly of oxide of iron. The cultivation is as usual. In the officials’ gardens, citrons, sweet lemons, papaws, figs, and Anonas thrive very well; they have all been imported here from Ladd. It is curious that the pomegranate, although it thrives well, never bears any fruit in Ladd; the only explanation I can give is, that the trees have been too plentifully watered. Onions and water-melons also thrive well.