THE TROOPS. 207 improved subordination, as evciything may be exj)ected from the negroes by stimulating their ambition.

The Bedouins, those children of the desert, enticed by vain promises from their native plains, to them still dear, though neglected by nature, are to be pitied indeed ; for they have but slight hopes of ever being able to return to their homes ; receive a miserable pay after waiting for it for a long time, like the rest of the troops ; and are expected to find themselves in clothing, horses, and accoutrements out of their own pockets. Their sheikh must supply all deficiencies, and if a man lose his horse is forced to procure him another, whilst the Bedouin has to resign all claims on pay, until the sum the new animal cost is defrayed ; and thus it often happens that the poor fellow must serve during three or five years gratuitously. The government allows no compensation, even if the horse be killed on actual service. It will now be understood what kind of services may be expected from these men. Although they are not deficient in pei-sonal valour, in cases where it is required, and are certainly equal to the rest of the troops in courage and bravery, if they do not surpass them ; yet they never confidently meet the enemy, as a natural consequence of this absurd system, for they are always thinking of their horses, on these occasions, and often take to flight at the most decisive moment, to avoid sustaining a loss.

It has frequently even happened on slave-hunts