COMMERCE. 289 Piasters.

Day's journey. To freight from Wady Chalfa to the Isle of Phylae on the first cataract . . 60-150 8-10 To freight to Assuan (the ancient Syene), a distance of one and a half hour's march, per camel ...... 3—4 To freight per boat from Assuan to Cairo 400-1000 ! 20-30 To freight, per boat, from Cairo to Atfe . 1 50-400 4-8 To freight, per boat, from Atfe on the canal I ofMahmudie 30-80 j 1 It must be mentioned in giving this estimate, that the boat-hire would vary according to the size of the vessel employed, nor can the time of the journey by water be accurately calculated, as it depends in a great measure on the wind and the height of the water of the Nile. As a general rule three months and a half may be reckoned as the time required to reach Alexandria from Lobeid in travelling with goods.

Tamarinds are an article to which the government attaches no value, it consequently permits the export. In the years 1837, 1838, and 1839, when, from some cause unknown to me, the inflorescence dropped off and no pods were formed, the rottolo cost on the spot three-quarters of a penny ; and this was at a time when the natives were compelled to import tamarinds from Darfour, as the soil did not produce the necessary quantity for the consumption of the country. In other years, taking an average harvest, a camel load of three cantari will sell at one u