THE ROUTE OF THE EXPEDITION. 213 the deep channel of the river by several sand-banks, this bustle and confusion was for a time concentrated, until a new kind of order was evolved from the chaos of boats, bales, cases, casks, forage tents, and the agglomeration of stores and appliances that belong to a campaign, till something like a regular camp or station and military discipline is established.

It might be convenient if the reader would at this point ot the narrative glance at the map in order to take in the general bearings of the country, the windings of the Nile, and the relative situation of the cataracts as far as Abu Hamed. Southward of the first cataract lies Lower Nubia, a mere strip of arable land watered by the river, the cultivation nowhere exceeding four miles, and at several points disappearing into the desert, which on the east extends to the Red Sea, where Suakim is the only practicable port; while on the west is the continuation of the Lybian desert, which flanks the actual territory of Egypt. Nubia proper (or the Wadi Kunuz and the Wadi Nuba) extends from Assouan to Lebua and thence to Doncrola. Granite and sandstone hills line the greater part of the valley, in many places closing in upon it, so that up to Wady Haifa cultivation is confined to the mere banks of the Nile. At Wady Haifa the second cataract begins and extends for 100 miles in a series of rapids through the Dar el Hajar to Sukkut, where the valley widens and the sterilitydisappears. Fertile plains stretch out on both sides, and wellcultivated islands are to be seen in the river. Here the Nile seldom overflows, and artificial irrigation is necessary. Cultivation continues up to the third cataract, but contracts again on passing the island of Argo. At Ordu or New Dongola, Lower X tibia terminates, and the Belad cs Sudan, or Country of the Blacks, begins.

Such is the concise and clear reference to this territory in the report issued from the War-office by the intelligence branch (quarter master-generals' department, Horse-guards); and the mention of this admirably compiled report reminds us oi the lamented Colonel Stewart, who took so prominent a part in furnishing the particulars from his own accurate and untiring