of mechanism. I observed two species
of parasitical plants, one of which has a slender trunk, and has its
root in the earth; and the other, which is entirely dependent on the
tree over which it spreads for all its support and nourishment. Its
roots are in the very boughs of the tree which bears it. Some of our
blacks, who were carried over the desert when young, and had not seen or
observed this phenomenon before, burst out laughing. These comicalities
of vegetation amused them exceedingly. What excites the serious
attention of cultivated minds often produces only laughter in vulgar and
untutored people. Parasitical plants would be a complete study for the
botanist here. The doom-tree has a smaller and rounder-shaped head than
the common date-palm; the leaves are spread out very like a fan, but I
know not whether the doom is called the fan-shaped palm.

We are to stay at this place some time--there appears to be no hurry. We
shall probably be here three days more. The Sultan of Asoudee is
visiting amongst us, and has concerted with En-Noor that all the
caravans shall go together, in order that no one portion of it shall
arrive before the other in Damerghou, and so get the ghaseb cheaper; as,
of course, the early arrivals generally get the better bargains. At
first I could not understand the reason of our all going together; now
the thing is clear enough.

En-Noor called at my tent in the evening, and was very civil. I got a
little milk afterwards for the tea sent him. The royal family appear now
to be short of milk. I find that his royal highness has in reality only
one wife, who is a slave. In an African point of view, however, even
this is too much. His highness confessed to Overweg that God gave man
his limited time in this as in all things. Had the beating I have
recorded any relation to this bitter reflection?

When the sun is down, the landscape around begins to look like Old
England, the species of trees not being visible. The doom reminds me of
the shorn elms along the hedges.

_23d._--The Sultan of Asoudee sent this morning for powder, and was
thankful for a small quantity. We remained here this day. All the
valleys and country around are called _Unan_. This is also the name of a
well near us, but water is usually obtained by scooping out the sand in
the bed of the valleys, and there are few regular wells; those which are
dug are destroyed as soon as the rain returns. Such alone remain entire
as are out of