'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎684] (783/905)

684
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CAMP. [CHAP. XXV.
rally in a shekdof, which is a simpler machine than the
former, being little more than a large pannier slung on each
side of the animal; it is, however, enclosed by curtains^ like
the shebrye. The women belonging to the poorest class of
Bedawins have merely an open seat on the top of a rolled tent,
or of the bedding, and not unfrequently they have to carry a
child or two, either on the lap or in small baskets slung on
each side; while thus seated they are frequently employed in
kneading bread for the coming halt.
Order of the The loading being a gradual operation, the animals move
onward in successive groups, each group under the care of
some Arabs on foot, who are employed in proportion of one to
two, or, perhaps, three camels, which they guide in a track a
little on one side of those taken by the preceding groups; so
that each section finds pasture, for the animals. Thus an
Arab tribe, when in motion, covers a considerable space in
width as well as length ; the separate sections closely resemble
one another; for each consists of a string of camels carrying
tents, household stuff', women, and children, all advancing
towards the intended halting-place. These, on account of
the flocks, ought to be at a very moderate distance from one
another; but when a want of water obliges the divisions to
make a long march, a portion of the people advance as rapidly
as they can, leaving the rest, with the flocks, to follow; and
another day is allowed to these to reach the camp. Here not
unfrequently a halt of two or three days takes place. When
ever the ground favours it, the spot selected is on one side of
the line of march> so as not to be visible to other bodies who
The tents dis- may happen to take the same route. The camp is formed
reguiarity hout speedily, and without any particular order being followed in
placing tents. The moment the sheikh has selected the spot
which he intends to occupy, the Bedawins plant their lances
in the ground, and, having fastened their horses to them, leave
the arrangements to the women ; these hasten to their several
locations, pitch their tents near their husbands' horses, and
prepare the evening meaL When the sheep, goats. See.,
afrive, they are placed .round the tents to which they belong,
and the encampment is complete. Although one of these