150 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

CHAPTEK YIII.

DJOUR GHATTAS TO DEM IDRIS.

On arriving at Djonr Ghattas, we were led to some seats under a splendid tamarind-tree, and enjoyed a good and cooling draught of a beverage which was strange to us, and which I learnt was prepared in the following manner. After kisreh has been baked very hard, it is broken into small pieces and placed in the sun for a few days, and when drink is required a gourd of water is brought, some lemons squeezed into it, and a couple of handfuls of this dried kisreh added to the water. After standing a short time the mixture is complete, and is very good and refreshing ; the kisreh being mixed in the water prevents one drinking too fast, and so thirst is more quickly quenched.

After sitting for a little time and hearing the news, we were shown to our huts, where we were soon comfortably settled. It is surprising how soon, when travelling, one gets accustomed to new quarters ; in an hour's time beds were made, mosquito-curtains arranged, tables and chairs unpacked ; and books, papers, and guns all put in order, an extra angareb, or native bed, making a capital bookcase.