40 Md'owe—Abu Hamed.

Names of Places.

£1 Kirbekao (village) ...

ebukuk Pass (south end) h Uistaucti ill luiles.

Intermediate.

Total from Merowe.

Sbukuk Pass (north end) 7 Salainat ....

12 60 60j 68 80 Description.

ridge, is a i-emarkable round-topped mountain, which can be seen for several miles before Boni Island is reached. Ou leaving the belt of cultivation at Berti, the track leaves the river and winds througli a mass of rocks iind boulders until it again stiikes the river opposite a small island, on which are the remains of a ruined castle (Castle Camp of lliver Column) ; distance from Berti, 6 miles. Scant cultivation and a good camping ground for a small force are here to be found. After leaving the bank opposite the luined aistle, the track again quits the river and follows the bed of a sandy khoi-, interrupted in parts by belts of rocks and boulders until the liver is again struck opposite Dulka Island ((ii miles from Castle Camp), where there is a good camping ground amidst patches of cultivation. One and a half miles beyond this jx)iiit the long razor-backed hill, running at right angles to the course of the Nile, and known as Jebel Kirbekan (300 feet), ia situated. It completely blocks the road, but can be easily turned by marching round its south-west extremity. The action of 10.2.85 took place here. Ou leaving .Jebel Kirbekan, the track follows the bed of a sandy khor, much broken in places by rocks, &c., for 4 miles, when the village of El Kirbekan, at the lower entrance of the Shukuk Pass, is reached. Here there are a few mud houses, palm trees, and some scant vegetation ; barley, dura, and dukbu. The Wadi El Arku, which breaks up into several outlets on neaiing the river, comes out at this point, and it is here that the direct rofi,d to Abu Egli (78 miles), vid the Jura Wells (48 miles), leaves the river. The Shukuk Pass is entered immediately after leaving El Kirbekan. The track leaves the river, and follows the bed of a sandy khoi-, completely commanded by rocky heights varying from 20 feet to 100 feet, until Jebel Shukuk (350 feet) is reached. This mountain, with its conspicuous marble tops, marks the half-way through the Pass.

Leaving Jebel Shukuk on the left-liaiid side, the track inclines towards the river, the Pass becomes narrower and more difficult, and at places it is impossible for more than one loaded camel to pass at a time. The track at this point is nearly impracticable, and it is with the greatest difficulty that even horses can keep their footing. The Shukuk Pass terminates suddenly opjjosite the upper end of Uss Island, and at the commencement of Shoar Island, on which latter island there are many small villages, and much cultivation. The Shukuk Pass can be turned by leaving the river at El Kirliekan, striking into the desert and skirting the whole block of mountains through which the pass runs. This is an easy half-day's camel lide, but there is no water along the road. Capt. Maxse eays (1 807) the pass is 7 miles long ; there is water at each end, and the going is good, with the exception of J mile at the south-west entrance, and | mile at the northeast exit. During that first | mile at the entrance the roadway is narrow and intricate, the path being strewn with quantities of small loose rocks and boulders. These could be cleared away. The labour thus expended would greatly facilitjite all subsequent movements of troops and transport. The J mile of exit could similarly be much improved by manual lalwur. A little blasting would help still more here. There is, however, 100 yard.s of pathway at the bottom of a deep cutting, which would defy ordinary appliances. .Still there is room for a loaded camel, and the removal of loose stones would make even this bit easy. The interior of the pass is mostly a broa!d, level, sandy khor, varying in width from 5 y.irds to 20O yards. Should the [lass be held by a stubborn foe, it can be turned without difficulty from the east. The river between El Kirbekan and the end of the Shukuk Pass is clear and fx-ee from obstacles, though it flows at times between steep and rocky banks. Just as the upper end of Uss Island is reached, a small rapid has to be passed which is not, however, very difficult. Both north and south of the Shukuk Pass there are numerous drawings of a rough descrii)tion representing ciittle, monkeys, and dog.s, probably the same period as those at Murnit — 2nd anil 3rd century a.d. (Major Sit H. Hill, Bart). Ou delK)Uching from the Shukuk Pass, the country commences to ojwn out, and the hills to recede further from the river. 'J"he track follows the bank, which now commences to become more generally cultivated. Just before coming abreast of Shoar Island, the