83 CHAPTER III.

NORTH-EASTERN SUDAN.

(Country bounded on the north by the Sudan-Egyptian frontier, on the west by the Nile from that frontier to the mouth of the Atbara, on the south by the Atbara and Abyssinian and Eritrean frontiers, and on the east by the Red Sea.)

Section 1. — Country between Halfa and the Atbara Mouth along the Nile Banks.

Along the Nile from Faras to Haifa the east bank is fairly well cultivated. From Haifa to near Kosha, with the General. exception of Sarras, there is httle cultivation and practically no inhabitants. Most of this stretch is rocky and desertlike, and is known as " Batn El Hagar." South of Kosha cultivation and villages become more general, and continue almost uninterruptedly to Abu Hamed (see Chap. II, Sections 1 and 2. For the left bank, Dongola town, etc., see Chap. IX.)

Between Abu Hamed and the Atbara junction there is little cultivation on the east bank, except south of Genenetti. From here to the Atbara there are about 500 sagias. The cidtivated land, as a rule, extends about 500 yards back from the river, and in a few places as much as 3 miles.

The country enclosed by the river and the mainline Sudan Government Railways between Haifa and Abu Hamed is waterless, sandy, or gravelly desert, broken here and there by rocky hills and ridges. It is practically uninhabited, but is believed to contain minerals and workings of old mines near Kuror, etc. These are now being explored.

The soil on the banks of the river in the Dongola Province is rich and alluvial almost throughout, and well adapted for cotton cultivation. This province is in fact the richest and most prosperous in the Sudan.

Health is excellent all the year round. Very little fever, only simple cases. Little rain ; showers may be expected Climate, in September. The wind is almost constantly from the north. Ophthalmia, common in Egypt, is rare in Dongola Province. During months June to end of September, the weather is very hot and enervating, but air dry.

Good roads, 5 metres in width, have been made on both banks of the Nile throughout the Province ; bends can be Uommuni cut off frequently, notably between Kosha and Abu Sari, a distance of 35 miles across the desert with no water (see Chap. II). catious. There is a desert track on the right bank from Dongola (Naui) to Merowe, a distance of about 100 miles without water, and there are other desert tracks which have never been traversed by a white man ; of these latter httle or nothing is known.

Heavy goods, such as merchandise, grain, dates, etc., are mostly carried by boat, and there is no lack of transport for the needs of the natives in this respect ; boats are constantly being built, and every encouragement is given them to do so.

A fortnightly post boat runs between Kerma and Merowe. From February to June, however, the low state of the river renders navigation for steamers dangerous through the rapids between Kerma and Dongola ; during these months, therefore, the mail is carried by camels over this reach of 40 miles, transport requirements being conveyed by Government gayasas, of which there are 9 in the Province. There are two steamers (1903).

From Haifa to Debba the inhabitants are Berabra.* The Mahasi dialect is spoken from Haifa to Kerma. Here the Gararishf and then the Danagla (Berabra), commence and continue to Debba ; from there on to Berti are the Shaigia. From Berti to Khulla the Monasir are found, and then come the Robatab, who extend as far as Kerraba. From here on to the Atbara junction are the Angariab, Hagab, Merifab, and Fadlab. The few inhabitants of the desert are mostly wandering Bisharin.

The total riverain population of Dongola Province numbered (December, 1902) 105,026, and is rapidly increasing. This is exclusive of nomad Arabs, whose numbers may be put down at 2,000 Gararish (along the river), besides Bisharin, and other Nomads (fii/r. Appendix F.) on the left bank.

The occupation of the people is that of cultivating the ground, which they do very imperfectly except in Dar Shaigia ; it could be made to produce double the amount.

♦ There are 4 Berberine dialects, viz. : — (1) " Kensi " from Shellal to Korosko. (2) " Feiadija " spoken near Korosko and South. (3) " Maha-si" spoken at Haifa, Sukkot, Mahas and up to Hannek Cataract and Badin Island. (4) " Dongolawi " from Kerma to Ambugol. (2) and (3) are nearly the same, and (1) and (4) are somewhat similar ; but a Dongolawi cannot underatand a Mahasi. t The Gararish are Nomad Arabs and theii' northern limit may be said to be Haifa.

N Roads.

Boats.

Population, riverain, and desert.