MOSQUITO NETS. 151 I may mention how our mosquito-curtains were made. The top, seven feet by three feet, is calico, the sides are mosquito-netting, and at the bottom another piece of calico, the same size as the top, is sewn, excepting for about three feet on one side, which is left open as an entrance. Along the netting at this aperture we sewed a border of broad tape filled with No. 2 shot, this acts as a weight, and as one creeps in, it clings to the body and prevents the greatest plagues of Egypt accompanying us in too great numbers. When inside, a few mosquitoes are sure to be found ; so a boy holds a light at one corner of the curtain, toward which the mosquitoes fly, and then are speedily despatched. This plan is much better than having a light inside, for accidents frequently happen ; and even if they do not, the light burns away the small fibres from the net, and makes plenty of room for other mosquitoes to enter. To do Djour Ghattas justice, there were very few mosquitoes there ; but it is a good plan for travellers in Africa to sleep always within curtains, as I have found this to be a great protection from malaria. The curtains should not be too dense, on account of the heat, and also it is necessary to be able to see out of them easily and distinctly.

The water at Djour Ghattas during our stay was not at all good; but it was much improved by putting a teaspoonful of alum into each bucket of water, which, after being well stirred, was allowed