«Англо-египетский Судан: Справочник для офицеров правительства Судана, Том 2»

There is no bad bush from here to El Eddaiya. Good going.

Sharafa belongs to Kordofan, El Ogr to Darfur.

Gabralla 9 138

Small village of people from Bornu.

Gariban 6 144

Small Hamar village. Main roads from Taweisha and Shakka come in here.

Um Sedeir 7½ 151½ ⎫

⎪

⎪

⎬

⎪

⎪

⎭ All small Hamar villages.

Wad Dunga 7 158½

Tamba 9½ 168

Sabi 12 180

Aris 7½ 187½

Wad Dau el Beit 5 192½

El Eddaiya

12 204½

Vide previous routes.

95. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО НАХУДА (ПРЯМАЯ ДОРОГА).

Капитан Э. Г. Мейрик, Королевские инженеры, ноябрь 1903 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid — — The road goes off almost due W., and runs over an undulating plain, at first open and covered with dura cultivation, and then covered with small and thorny shrubs. There are several villages to right and left of road. Village here consisting of about 60 tukls. From here the road goes straight to Jebel Abu Sinun. The water here is obtained from tebeldi trees, and there are some large fulas some distance away, one of which was not dry in December, although there had been little rain (1903). Four miles further on one arrives at a large fula; it contained no water in December. This road now passes El Abiad, where water is obtained from a few tebeldis and from distant fulas.

Um Doma

12 12

Monzuka

8¾ 20¾ Monzuka is reached, a small village, water obtained from tebeldi trees in small quantities, and about 2 miles further on we came to the remains of a village which was formerly called Um Banda. The nature of the country, throughout undulating, is a sandy plain covered with thorny bushes (not dense) and a few trees, and it remains so until at mile 42 one arrives at Um Sumaima, where there are tukls and people.

Um Sumaima

21¼ 42

Dudia 16 58 There are many fulas on both sides of Um Sumaima. The tebeldi trees give only a very limited supply of water, but I was told there was a village named Nethrea not far off in a southerly direction, where there was more than one well. After leaving Um Sumaima the road passes many fulas and khors, now quite dry. The bush becomes a little thicker and there are many more trees, but there is no difficulty in clearing. About 7½ miles from Um Sumaima you see traces of the old telegraph line in the shape of the bases of iron poles, one or two of which are still standing, but the majority are lying along the road. Trees are now numerous, and one reaches Dudia at mile 58. There are many tebeldi trees here, but there is no one living here now.

Huoi 13¼ 71¼ The trees are more numerous and the bush thicker here. Huoi like Dudia has many tebeldi trees, and there is a big fula, but there was no water in December. There is no village here now and no people.

Merkab

22 93¼ Continuing, the road passes Merkab, a village started this year (1903). Here there are many tebeldi trees and about 10 tukls. Chickens may be obtained here, but only, say, two at a time. The road here runs through a network of thorny, though small, trees, a good bit higher than a man on a camel, and it would be unpleasant travelling by night.

Manwissa 9 102¼ The thorny trees end before arrival at Manwissa, where there is a village, and the country is now covered with scattered trees and thin bush.

Um Farigh

5½ 107¾ Manwissa, Um Farigh, and Goda are in a district called Sheikh El Dud. All round here there are dukhn crops; water is obtained from tebeldi trees. These villages are small ones. Goda contains about 60 tukls, while 4 miles from Goda, Sudda, a small village, is reached, the face of the country remaining unchanged.

Goda

2½ 110¼

Sudda 4 114¼

Abu Dagal 1 115¼ Abu Dagal is reached shortly afterwards, and after ascending an elevation on which the trees are much more numerous, the road descends to Nahud. Water is obtained from wells, but some of it has very acid properties. This town is about the same size and of the same population as El Obeid. The country all round is open.

Nahud

15½ 130¾

96. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО НАХУДА ЧЕРЕЗ АБУ-ЗАББАТ.

By Captain W. Lloyd, April and October, 1900, and Captain C. H. Townsend, 1901 and 1902.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid — — The S.W. road is taken. Good track, little bush. Plenty of grazing. Country slightly undulating. Sandy soil.

Abu Haraz 25 25 Small village. Wells in the khor. Pools of water last till end of October. There are some in the old town and some in the khor. Latter are best. Good shade. Leaving the village the bush becomes thicker, but there is a good track.

Um Geiga

7 32 One bad well situated on the side of a wide khor. A mile down this khor is Um Gurus. Here there are three wells which generally contain enough water for 30 camels. The sand in the khor is very soft. Leaving Um Geiga the track ascends at first. Bush thick, many tebeldi trees about.

Khor Sulfan 10 42 A wide shallow khor. Bush very thick. This khor should be crossed by daylight if possible. The track now becomes good, and the bush, though thick, does not interfere with transport.

El Saata 18½ 60½ A ruined Hamar village. Many tebeldis about, some of which have been used for storing water. Old wells.

The country now becomes nearly level, and is covered with ebony trees. Good shade when in leaf, but none in the hot weather. White ants swarm.

Um Galb

22 82½ A small village on the edge of a swamp. The village and wells are 1 mile to the S. of the road. Water plentiful. The track now passes along a ridge of red sand.

Abu Zabbat

6 88½ A Hamar and Bederia village on the sandy hill. To the S. is a large swamp in which are the wells, 25 to 30 feet deep. Water usually plentiful. Much dura cultivation. Small suk. Many cattle, sheep, and goats. Good rest house.

It is very difficult to find one’s way out of the village, and a local guide should be taken until the main road is reached, as tracks lead in all directions. The track bears N.W.

Um Dugran 5 93½ A small village; much cultivation about, chiefly dukhn. The track crosses several khors, but none are bad.

J. Howawag 32 125½ A low hill on the S. side of the road.

Um Regulti 6 131½ A small Hamar village, only occupied during the rains. No well. There is a good deal of hashab bush about. Further on arad trees are met, they have no thorns.

Um Genglit 8 139½ A similar village to Um Regulti.

J. Wad Abu Agala 4 143½ A few low hills to the N. of the track.

Nahud

10½ 154 For description, see Routes 19, 30, and Vol. I,

Chap. VIII.

97. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО ЭЛЬ-ЭДДАЙИ ЧЕРЕЗ СУНГИКАЙ.

Капитан У. Ллойд, апрель 1900 г.; и капитан К. Г. Таунсенд, полк Восточного Суррея, 1901 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid — — For route El Obeid to Sungikai, vide Route 17.

Sungikai

72 72 The track, which is good, leaves the wells in a south-westerly direction. The country is fairly level, but much cut up by khors. Low rocky hills are seen on all sides. The bush on both sides is thick, but horses can move without much difficulty. Many of the hills, now deserted, show signs of former Nuba occupants.

J. Kudr

16½ 88½ A Nuba village on the hill. Water on the hill and in a well at the foot. The track now winds between many hills.

J. Saboi

7½ 96 Nearly due W. of J. Kudr. A Nuba village on the hill. Three wells and some pools. No supplies were obtainable. The bush becomes thick in places.

J. Kasha

14 110 Large Nuba village on the hill. A plentiful supply of indifferent water from wells, about one mile from the village. The inhabitants are fairly well off and some of them go to the suk at Abu Zabbat. The men carry spears and rifles; they have a number of the latter.

J. Shifr

6½ 116½ A Nuba hill. Water plentiful in wells in the khor on the N. side of hill, and has much improved. Good camp. The bush continues bad all the way to Kubgr.

El Sinut

21 137½ A depression of black soil. On the borders are many Messeria camps. In the rains the depression is a swamp, covered with long grass and ambach. Sunt trees abound. There are many wells about 40 feet deep, which are used in summer. There is a small market. During the rains the people wander off to places where there are rain pools and cultivate.

El Seneita

9 146½ The track runs S.W., leaving the village to the N., and a swamp, similar to El Sinut, containing the wells, to the S. The village is on high ground and on sandy soil. Track leads S.S.W. through very thick bush.

Toto

17½ 164 A swamp, similar to El Sinut. Many wells 30 to 40 feet deep, giving a plentiful supply of water. Good shade, some gullum. Many Messeria camps about. Bush thick and the cotton soil much cracked in places. The track now turns N.W. for two miles and then W. Some cultivation is passed belonging to a small Messeria village, Ardeb by name, which lies to the N. of the track.

J. Kubgr

17 181 There are many wells on the N. side of the hill, though only two on the S. side. From here the following jebels are visible, they are all close and under Mek Abu Dugal of Kubgr:—J. Shenshal, J. Abu Gerein, J. Umbosha, and J. Seigo. To the N. of the hill, and about two miles from it, is a Beni Fadl village named Shallo. The people drink from J. Kubgr. There is a direct road from Kubgr, viâ Shallo, to Nahud.

El Eddaiya

30 211 A collection of villages, all under an Omda, Safi Negm El Din, by name. The main village, which is the largest, is close to the wells, which are numerous and lie in a depression, and give a plentiful supply of water at a depth of from 10 to 30 feet, small hand-wheels being used to draw it up. There are many good gardens here and, at certain seasons, a plentiful supply of vegetables is obtainable. The population is very mixed, there being Homr, Hamar, Messeria, Bederia, also some Dongolawis and Jaalin. The Homr belong chiefly to the Felaita section, and they have several villages, the chief of these being Mumu, about 12 miles W. of El Eddaiya. There is a Bashibazuk post of 50 men here, and a small market. This is the starting point for the Bahr El Arab, Dar Jangé, Dar Fertit, and Shakka. Traders going S. and W. from here proceed on donkeys and cattle, camels being little used.

98. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО КЕРАИИ (ДЖЕБЕЛЬ-ТАГАЛЕ) ЧЕРЕЗ ДЖЕБЕЛЬ-ДАЙЕР.

Капитан Дж. Р. О’Коннелл, Шропширский полк легкой пехоты короля, и капитан У. Ллойд, Шотландские стрелки, январь 1900 г.; с дополнениями из отчетов Эль-Каймакама Дж. Батлер-бея в 1901 г.

На этой дороге нет проблем с пастбищами или дровами, но верблюдов нельзя напоить между Эль-Обейдом и Эль-Рахадом. Местность к югу от Эль-Рахада становится практически непроходимой для верблюдов, как только начинаются дожди.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid — — Leaving the Mudiria, there is a good track over level ground to the S. end of J. Deigo. Bush never thick, but after the rains the going is bad in places.

J. Deigo 8 8 Small fula at S. end. Water does not last after November. Track now turns nearly S. and bush becomes thicker. Several large deep khors. J. Kordofan on W. of track. There is a pool on top of northern peak which lasts till April (i.e., in 1901).

J. El Sofaia 10 18 Left to E. of track; bush bad and continuous, so to El Rahad.

J. Um Dubabat or El Ein 2 20 On W. of track. There is a crack in the rock near the road which always contains water, said to come from a spring, but by the hot weather water becomes somewhat foul. The country is flat, bush thick, and there are several deep khors.

Arab cemetery 12 32 By the side of a khor.

Khor Um Dagergur 10 42 A broad, shallow khor, which must be very swampy in the rains.

El Rahad

5½ 47½ Near the lake the road divides in two. That to the E. leads to the villages of Sheikh Adam Maznuk, a Gowama. The villages are large and have a small market. The lake is about 2 miles wide and 5 miles long. When it is dry (as it was in January, 1900) wells are dug in the bottom.

Regela 5 47 The road to the W. is the main track and passes through Regela, and near the remains of one of Hick’s forts. Several large khors are crossed.

Khor Abu Habl

9½ 56½ Is 50 feet wide and 2 feet deep, but the banks are flooded in the rains, and it is said to be impassable at times.

Egeria (in Jebel Daier) 4 60½ A Dabab village, situated in a khor in J. Daier. The entrance closed by high stone walls—now broken—near the khor. Three hellas, and a small market. Wells in the khor, inside the wall. Plenty of water.

Leaving the village the track crosses several khors; bush thick and between high hills.

Kitra

4 64½ A small village buried in the hills. The entrance is between rocks hardly wide enough for a loaded camel. Gowamas and Nubas. Wells inside the village. Cultivation: dura on plain outside.

Moving near the foot of the hills the bush continues thick.

Sitra

5½ 70 A village built on the side of the hills. Good wells with more than enough water for 100 camels. J. Daier is now left, and the track bears E.S.E. over level country, much cut up by khors, many of which are 10 feet deep. The bush is very thick in places. J. Tagale is seen ahead.

Kodi

24½ 94½ After crossing several low hills and some cultivation, Kodi is reached. The village is on the top of a hill which commands an excellent view in all directions. The wells are in a khor S. of the village, but large parties of animals have to go to a pool 5 miles S. W., where 100 camels watered without any effect on the supply. The track there is very bad, being over a rocky path through bush.

The road continues to be much broken by khors. It goes between high hills and through bad bush, and 9 miles on becomes so bad that it is necessary to dismount and lead the camels for ½ mile.

Morat

16 110½ A small Nuba village buried in the hills. One bad well with little water. J. Abu Dom is seen to the E.

Path crosses many khors and wanders about through thick bush; Senadre and Julia are left to the W. Khor Julia, 20 feet deep, with steep banks, has to be crossed.

Ruri 11 121½ The track now ascends some 200 feet over sheet rock and then descends among boulders. This took 200 camels an hour and a half to cross.

Duris 1 122½ A small hella on the side of the hill.

Keraia (J. Tagale) 2½ 125 On descending on to the plain the track passes over level country covered with thick bush. It bears almost due S., and suddenly turns W. into a large cove, the entrance to which is between narrow rocks. There is a good camping ground inside and fair wells. The village and market is up the hill. Keraia is a large place. Mek Geili has a large and well-built house there. There are also springs of water near the top of the hill. The camels, however, had to be sent to some wells in a big khor 7 miles further S., as these springs only give enough water for the inhabitants.

99. — ОТ КЕРАИИ ДО РАШАДА, А ЗАТЕМ ДО ДЖЕБЕЛЬ-ГЕДИРА.

До Рашада — капитан Дж. Р. О’Коннелл и капитан У. Ллойд, январь 1900 г.; остальное — Эль-Каймакам Дж. Батлер-бей, март 1902 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

Keraia (J. Tagale) — — Leaving the wells at the bottom of the hill the road turns south along the foot of the hills, crossing many small khors flowing westwards. Much dura cultivation seen near.

Khor

6 6 A large khor, 50 yards wide, coming out of the hills and turning north-east. A mile up this khor are several good wells. Watered 250 camels there.

The road now enters a narrow valley; thick jungle for 3 miles, and then ascends a steep hill. Camels have to be led. Hill terraced for cultivation; now deserted (1900); signs of elephant. Ground stony in places. Many khors, but not difficult to cross. High trees shut out all view. Nine miles from the khor descends a hill, and the road crosses a series of ridges and khors. Much bush.

Khor El Fedala 13 19 A deep khor. Camel corps had to dismount. Ridges and khor continue, but track improves.

Mernia

6 25 Ruined village. Two wells, good water. Jebel of same name near. Road passes between J. Mernia and J. Abu Shok on to a level plain. J. Rashad seen due west.

Rashad

6 31 Large Nuba village in a valley; both ends closed by strong sangars. Water quite near the surface in January, 1900, but dirty; watered 200 camels. In February, 1902, water was very foul. Good shade and grazing. Road turns south; rocky in places.

J. Tendik

15 46 Head-quarters of District. Nubas. Well at foot of hill, road to east of jebel. Fair track.

J. Turum 9½ 55½ Track crosses jebel; very bad going. Well. Nubas and Kenana Arabs. Fair going. Four or five miles on a large forest of deleib palms is entered and continues to Gurun.

J. Gurun

20 75½ Well and village of Kenana Arabs. Track passes by many disused wells. Very stony in places.

Khor Wad el Hileisa 25 100½ Flows south-east. Good track to village north-west of J. Gedir, leaving J. Girada, inhabited by Kenana Arabs, to the east. Then very bad track to Mek Bosh’s village, south of J. Gedir. Two wells.

J. Gedir

26 126½ Village protected by sangars.

От Рашада до Джебель-Гедира нигде нет достаточного количества воды для 200 верблюдов.

100. — ОТ КАКИ (КАРВЫ) ДО ДЖЕБЕЛЬ-ГЕДИРА.

Полковник Б. Махон-бей, D.S.O., 8-й гусарский полк, октябрь 1899 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

Karwa

— — Site of camp on left bank White Nile just S. of Kaka. Good camping ground S.E. of village.

The track leaves the river and runs practically W.N.W., but winds greatly through trees, bush, scrub, and high grass, which requires clearing for camel transport or guns.

6½ 6½ Track continues W.N.W. over a very extensive shadeless plain, covered with grass 3½ to 5 feet high, but not thick. Until beaten down or burnt, this grass makes marching difficult for infantry.

Domat, or Domaia, or El Zeif 8 14½ There has been a lot of water at Domat, but it is now (Oct.) practically dried up.

At Domat there are two or three groups of dom palms, which show up well and can be seen for a long distance. From here the hills of Kau and Niaro can be seen bearing about 275° magnetic.

From Domat, for the next 6¾ miles, there is no track, but, if from the largest group of dom palms on left of track you march due W. magnetic after going about 2 miles, a thick clump of dark green bush is seen on the skyline at about 3½ miles distant, and on the same bearing. A few degrees to the right of the clump, the hill of Fungor can be seen from the same point.

Mohabia or Hobobia 5¾ 20¼ Beyond Mohabia, the above-mentioned clump of bush, J. Fungor cannot be seen again until you arrive within about 2 miles from it, except from one point, viz.: Sahab.

From Domat to the commencement of the forest a plain is crossed covered with grass from 3 to 5 feet high. From Mohabia on, the track is again visible through grass, as before.

At 22¾ miles the edge of the forest is reached. Track winds through forest and undergrowth, the latter not very thick. Timber much injured by fire. No good shade.

Sahab 4½ 24¾ There was water till recently here; now (Oct.) dried up. J. Fungor visible bearing 275° magnetic.

Track through forest as before.

Safa, or Sufa

8¾ 33½ Fine trees giving excellent shade at Safa. Two pools of water in sandstone rocks; one is 27 yards long by 16 yards wide, and 9 inches deep, the other, circular, 20 yards in diameter, and 9 inches deep. If the water remains as at present, enough to water all our animals.

Path continues distinctly marked and through forest without much undergrowth except where one or two grassy khors are crossed. Very good ground for marching.

Within 1 mile of Fungor, country has been cleared for cultivation, and there is some dura and high grass.

J. Fungor

12 45½ Very good camping ground N.E. of the centre hill and close to the water.

Several large tanks of good water were found besides several smaller ones of still better water amongst the rocks on the hill side. With the assistance of a heavy thunderstorm the water supply was ample for two battalions, 500 cavalry, and some Camel Corps and transport for 3 or 4 days in October, 1899. In fact no impression was made on it.

The village is situated on the E. side of the central hill, which is about 350 feet high. The hill is very steep and difficult to ascend with boots. The inhabitants are almost all Nubas. Mek’s name Khalil. There are also some Aulad Hameid under Sheikh Idris.

For the first 2 miles the path winds through high grass and very thick bush, crossing one small khor, containing water from previous night’s rain. The bush is of low sunt, and was evidently once a clearing.

2 47½ The path passes to the right of some low rocky hills, after which the forest opens out, and the trees, chiefly heglig and acacia, are bigger. The soil is sandy, grass very low, and little undergrowth.

2½ 50 At about 4½ miles the track is opposite the S.E. end of the Kau range, which is a ½ mile on the right. Country fairly open; going very good.

Kau

2½ 52½ The village of Kau is on the W. slope of J. Kau. It contains about 500 inhabitants. Nubawi blacks; neither men nor women are clothed. Most of the houses are built high up amongst the rocks. Water obtainable from crevices on the rocky hillside. A good many dom palms near the village. A space of about 10 feddans to W. of hill was formerly cleared, but is now overgrown with small dom palms, about 4 feet high. After leaving Kau, the track winds through open forest, the trees improve in size, and more tropical plants are seen. Large numbers of bamboos, of apparently very good quality, grow in clusters along the small khors. Soil light and sandy.

5¾ 58¼ Nearly 6 miles from Kau the soil becomes heavy clay, and the grass is higher. The path winds a good deal, and is full of holes caused by subsidence after rain. It would be necessary to clear a track for guns or transport for the next 1¼ miles, after which the path improves and the going is sounder.

Shag el Hagar

3¼ 61½ Here there are two large rocks; the higher, about 50 feet in height, commands a good view; the lower, about 12 feet high, contains a large supply of water in four large and several small natural tanks, three of these are each about 60 feet long and 6 feet to 10 feet wide, and vary in depth from 2 feet to 4 feet. The fourth is 150 feet long and 9 feet wide, and from 4 feet to 6 feet deep. The water is excellent; 550 men and 420 horses were watered twice in 36 hours at these tanks and made little apparent difference in the supply. As there is no catchment area, except the surface of the rock, it looks as if the tanks were fed by springs. Should the source of supply be capable of giving more water, the amount retained could be easily increased by building a small dam across the end of the large tank, which would increase the depth to 9 feet. One of the other tanks could be similarly treated, but the result would not be so great. Horses must be watered from buckets.

Country around is covered with fairly open forest of good-sized trees, with a little undergrowth. No bamboos were noticed after this.

For about 3 miles the track continues through forest. At 19 miles it reaches a large open glade about 2 miles wide, with very few trees, and with grass 3½ feet high. It is apparently a clearing made at some time by fire. Track then continues through open forest of very fine trees, many of which are tabeldi (Adansonia).

Khor Goz El Tabeldi 7¼ 68¾ On this occasion, owing to the recent rain, there was sufficient water in this khor to water the men and horses, but water cannot be counted on. Country remains open; trees scattered, but sufficient for shade. Grass 5 feet to 8 feet high.

Khor El Waja 4¾ 73½ This is a grassy khor, about ¼ mile wide, quite dry, but said to hold water during rains. It is intersected by narrow water channels, 3 feet to 6 feet deep. The khor, whose soil is black clay, would be a serious obstacle to troops in the rainy season, and would, I think, be impassable for guns and transport while in flood.

Khor Melisa 1 74½ This is a sandy khor about 17 yards wide, with steep banks 10 feet to 14 feet deep, said to come from J. Girada. In the rains it must be a considerable obstacle. The country continues open, but with grass from 6 feet to 8 feet high, to within 2¾ miles of Gedir, when a belt of thick acacia and kittr scrub, 1¾ miles in width, is crossed. For guns or pack animals, it would be necessary to clear a path through this belt.

About 1½ miles from Gedir, the sandy khor, Gedad, 8 feet wide and 6 feet to 8 feet deep, said to come from J. Girada, is crossed. The last ¾ mile to Gedir is open ground with few scattered trees.

J. Gedir

7¾ 82¼ A rocky horseshoe-shaped hill, estimated altitude above the plain 600 feet. The village is on the re-entrant. Near the gorge are two wells about 80 feet deep, with a little water. No other water was seen. There are about 500 inhabitants. Many of the men have rifles. They are not naked like those of Kau, and appear to be a cross between Arabs and Nubas.

The Mahdi’s Stone is a large boulder up the slope of the hill, outside of, and about ½ a mile from the northern heel of the horseshoe, and on the way to Girada, of the same colour as the surrounding rocks, and shaded by a heglig tree, which may account for the Mahdi’s partiality for it. No cultivation was seen, but the inhabitants said they had some dura fields ripening.

Jebel Girada appears to be 5 to 7 miles distant. It is said to have a plentiful water supply.

101. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО ДАР-ЭЛЬ-ДЖАНГЕ.

Майор Э. Б. Уилкинсон, январь и февраль 1902 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid — — Leaving the Mudiria, the road runs in a S.S.W. direction, and at 1½ miles distance further on reaches the southern edge of the El Obeid basin, and low acacia bush and an occasional baobab tree take the place of dukhn cultivation.

Track to El Atshan Wells 5 5 At 5 miles distance from El Obeid, a broad track runs in a S.W. direction to El Atshan wells, which are situated in Khor Fertangul, 22 miles from El Obeid.

The road to El Merekib continues in the same direction, viz., S.S.W., and one passes through the same kind of bush with sandy soil until the village is reached. The inhabitants consist of Bederia and Ghodiat Arabs.

El Merekib

5 10 There is a well here, but the supply of water is very small. Dukhn is cultivated around the village.

J. Fertangul 6½ 16½ The road continues in a S.W. by S. direction until J. Fertangul is reached. There are two small hills of the same name; one E. of the road, and 6½ miles distant from Merekib, and the other on the W. of the road, and 8 miles distant from Merekib. The crest of latter is crowned with white limestone.

1½ 18

Khor Fertangul

1 19 One mile from the hill, Khor Fertangul with wells in its bed is reached.

5 24 Khor.

Khor Kashgil 1½ 25½ Khor Kashgil with good shade and grazing.

El Edeidat

9¾ 35½ Here road changes direction to S.S.E., and runs through thick bush for 9¾ miles until khor crosses road; this place is known as El Edeidat. There are two wells in khor. (Plenty of water March, 1904.)

Hella Abdel Samad 5 40¼ Road runs S. from here, and 5 miles on a track runs S.E. to Hella Abdel Samad, which is about 1 mile off the main road.

El Birket

2¾ 43 One and three-quarter miles on road turns due W., and 1 mile on brings one to El Birket; there are two villages here consisting of Bederia Arabs who have a good deal of land under cultivation. Here there is a large lake or reservoir, which I am informed contains much water for eight months in the year, but owing to this year being exceptionally dry there was no water (February, 1902), and wells sunk in the centre 24 feet deep were also dry. The area of this reservoir is probably 2 square miles. Good timber and shade on the southern edge of the lake.

From here the road runs S.W. through thick bush, and the soil changes to black cotton soil.

El Edaiya Faki Yasin 7 50 The district known as El Edaiya commences, and Hella Beni Fadl is reached.

Um Seneina 2¾ 52¾ Hella Um Seneina.

Abu Habl 3¼ 56 Khor Abu Habl is reached at Sessaban. This district is inhabited by Bederia Arabs; each village has a certain amount of land cleared and under cultivation (dukhn). Khor Abu Habl is here about 15 to 20 yards broad, with high banks varying from 15 to 20 feet with good timber growing along them. A few wells are sunk at Sessaban, but the supply of water was not sufficient to allow of animals being watered (8.1.02).

Um Sessaban

H. El Daruta 3½ 59½ H. El Daruta (Bederia), J. Belgulti and Fainar visible from here.

2 61½ Track runs W., and

H. Balamat 1 62½ Hella Balamat is reached.

Kururra

2½ 65 Khor Abu Habl is again struck at Kururra well, which is situated under a very fine gemmeiza tree, and gives a large quantity of water.

Well, 80 feet to water, and there was 20 feet of water in it. Kururra village ½ mile E. of well, Bederia, also water at this well. Hawazma Arabs.

Sungikai

3 68 Wells of Sungikai—four in number, 72 feet deep in khor; banks of khor 10 to 15 feet high. Large population of Hawazma Arabs.

Sungikai village 1½ miles N.W.

From Sungikai village a much used road runs N.N.W. to El Obeid, passing through El Atshan wells in Khor Fertangul, distance 48 miles.

Zeriba El Aguz or H. El Birgid 2½ 70½ Leaving Sungukai wells, one enters a very rich district. Road runs S.W., and 2½ miles H. El Birgid (Bederia) is reached, and villages occur almost every mile till El Nila is reached. There is much cultivation in this district; the inhabitants (Hawazma) possess many cattle, and N. of Nila there is excellent timber.

El Nila

5½ 76 At El Nila there are six wells, average 42 feet deep, giving excellent supply of water, and many hundreds of cattle, sheep and goats water there daily. Fine gemmeiza, sunt, haraz, and heglig trees. Four to five Arab (Ferikgs) or settlements. Khor 20 yards between banks, which in places are 22 to 25 feet broad. All along bank there is very good timber.

Leaving El Nila wells in a S.S.E. direction, there is an excellent and much used road to J. Watta, distant 30 miles, first 10 miles good shade, after that none.

J. Dilling[32]

15 91 Leaving El Nila, road runs S.W. and after 13 miles through forest of heglig and talh, and over cotton soils bring one to J. Dilling, consisting of a group of hills; thickly populated by Nubas who build their little conical huts in groups in suitable recesses among the boulders high up in the hills.

½ 91½ Half a mile S.W. wells in khor; khor 25 to 30 yards broad; good shade and grazing; good camp ground.

J. Abu Sebah

4 95½ Four miles S.W. is J. Abu Sebah, a small rocky hill ½ mile from khor along which there is a small population of Hawazma Arabs, who have dug wells, four in number, in khor, depth 21 feet to water. Deleib palms were first seen between Dilling and this, and the country intervening is cleared and cultivated.

From J. Abu Sebah road to Gulfan runs S.E. over cotton soil for first four miles. Open bush and then talh, heglig bush, &c.

J. Samasen 15 110½ J. Samasen is passed, and

4 114½ Four miles on, one reaches the foot of hills where soil becomes more gravelly, and contains a lot of detritus and broken rock, which makes going harder for camels. The road trends S. and then W., winding over spurs from the main hills and passing over large areas which are cultivated with dura, eventually entering between the hills crowned with many Nuba villages and Gulfan is reached.

J. Gulfan

3 117½

Here there was very little water. Wells mere holes 6 feet to 8 feet, and having a very slow yield. Hills are here terraced to the top, and dura grown in large quantities. The terraces are most carefully made and walls of stone are built.

From Gulfan the road runs W. over rock, and going is bad, as one is continually ascending and descending spurs.

2 119½ Two miles after leaving, wells (mere holes in the ground, about 6 feet deep) are passed, the road now running between two ranges of hills, and there is an Arab settlement. J. Tarda is left on the N. and J. Watta 4 miles N.E., and road turns S. and S.W., following the contour of the southern range of hills, and ½ mile on a road branches, running N.E. to J. Watta, which is inhabited by Nubas and Arabs.

J. Tarda 1 120½

½ 121

The road to J. Watta runs N.E. through thick bush for 4½ miles, and crosses a khor close to the hill. There are many wells, but most give very little water which, however, is of good quality. The road to Kadaro and El Obeid from S. passes through here; and also there is an excellent road to Nila, running N.N.W. through talh and jungle. This road is greatly used by Hawazma Arabs, who migrate N. annually. Six miles after leaving J. Watta, J. Tungul is left on E., 3 miles off road, and at 16 miles J. Dilling el Khulla is passed, 1 mile W. of road. No shade for 20 miles, then good shade and grazing; total distance to Nila 30 miles.

Katta

2½ 123½ Nuba village Katta is passed, and there is an Arab settlement close by. Much dura is cultivated. J. Sheibun and Um Heitan is visible.

2 125½ A large rocky hill with jagged crest; low bush, no shade. Here road runs S.S.W., and 2¼ miles on khor is passed which had water in a hole under S. bank on 21.2.02. Road continues in same direction and the country is very much the same as before, talh and heglig, only the soil is more gravelly until Khor Debri and Debri wells, 6 feet deep, are reached. Leaving Debri wells, where there is a small hill, road runs S.W. for 2 miles, and ¾ mile further S.

2¼ 127¾

9½ 137¼

J. Debri

2¾ 140 J. Debri, with village (Nuba) of the same name is passed. Here much land is cleared and dura cultivated at the foot of hills.

J. Kega

2 142 Two miles south of Debri road bends to W., skirting the foot of the hills, and J. Kega Tummero is reached. This is a large conical hill, part of W. chain of other features, and up the sides of which the Nubas have built their huts, some situated right on the top, at the foot of which and in the re-enterants are also many huts belonging to them and also Arabs. There is a well here but the water is very bad.

Khor Kega

2 144 Two miles on Khor Kega is reached, which flows from J. Kega el Abiad and Kega Libu. There are six wells in bed of khor, which is 20 yards wide, 6 to 8 feet deep; water good and abundant, good shade and grazing. Much dura is cultivated in the plain, and there is an Arab (Hawazma) settlement. Crossing Khor Kega road runs roughly S. over cotton soil with talh and heglig forest, and at 3½ miles Khor El Kuek is crossed.

Khor El Kuek 3½ 147½

Hella Daud

12 159½ Eleven miles on Hella Daud, 35 to 40 huts belonging to Hawazmas, who cultivate dura and have much ground cleared. From here to S.W. the Miri range and J. Demik and Kega Heg El Kheil are visible. Water is transported from wells in a khor E. of village at the foot of J. Tesein Dhanat.

J. Kadugli

7 166½ After continuing S. through the same kind of forest and crossing many small watercourses which flow W. from the hills, the road skirts the foot of J. Musta, and Kadugli is reached. Here there is a population of Nubas and Hawazma Arabs. The Mek of the Nubas is named Rehal, and he exercises power over all the surrounding hills. The whole of this range of high hills containing J. Tesem Dhanab, J. Musta and J. Kadugli, is known by the name of El Goghub. J. Sabori, to the W., is also inhabited.

From KADUGLI to KEILAK.

Khor Kadugli

½ 167 Leaving the camp at the foot of J. Kadugli one proceeds W. and ½ mile on brings one to the khor of the same name. Here there are three groups of wells. (1) ¾ mile W. of Arab village there are a group of some half a dozen wells, principally used by Arabs. (2) Central group, live wells 6 feet deep, used by Nubas. (3) 1 mile down stream and S., two wells 6 feet deep, used by the Mek’s immediate household; all give a good supply of water. There is very good grazing all along the khor. Much dura cultivated.

J. Kaffari 2 169 J. Kaffari is passed S. of road which runs W. through much dura cultivation and along the banks of Khor Kadugli, which rises in Miri range. Road passes now between low range of hills, and continues W. by S. for 5 miles through level plain covered with heglig, talh, and haraz forest, with clearings for dura cultivation, with the hills close in on either side forming a narrow gorge scarcely 200 yards wide, down which runs a khor some 10 to 15 yards broad. The ground being rocky it is very bad going for camels and bulls.

1 170

5 175

¾ 175¾

Gorge turns abruptly S., and road continues on through pretty scenery in a W. direction over a rocky saddle-back, and then one gradually descends into a valley in which a large and important khor rises which feeds Lake Keilak, and enters the Bahr El Arab. Water here obtained by digging in the sand in bed of khor.

Plain surrounded by green vegetation; good timber, and there is much land cleared for dura cultivation. The hills are terraced to the tops and dura grown on them.

Tuluk

5 180 Tuluk, the abode of Mek Hamed Abu Sekin, is reached, and there are many groups of villages in the surrounding hills; some low down near the foot, others perched high up near the crests. Here, surrounded on all sides by hills, is a large open area of ground with water within 2 feet of the surface, probably 1½ square miles of rich soil, which, if only tilled, would grow almost everything. The Nubas only require dura, however.

J. Kufa 3 183 Leaving Tuluk the track runs along side of khor, which now runs S.W., and 3 miles on J. Kufa, with several large villages, is passed. Here roads divide; one, following khor, passes through plain much cultivated with dura by the Nubas of J. Kufa, Lima, and Kania. The khor here is walled across at intervals with large stones to hold back the water in the rains. Khor emerges from the hills at J. Kania.

J. Abu Sinun

2 185 The second road runs S.S.W. to J. Abu Sinun, where there are two Nuba villages under Mek Zakharia, and a Homr (Felaita) village. Water obtained from khor.

J. Kanga

3 188 Three miles W. is J. Kanga, the southern side of which hill is fortified by a 6-feet stone wall, crowned by a zeriba to guard the Nubas from raids by the Homr Arabs. The huts are high up the hill. Khor emerges here between two hills, and is now 20 to 25 yards broad; well 4 to 6 feet in khor; water good. Looking S. about 20 miles off are two hills, and beyond as far as the eye can reach to the S. and W. is a dead level plain covered with forest. From J. Kanga, road runs W. and S.W., and for 1½ miles there is dura cultivation.

1 189 Khor crosses road, and cotton soil takes the place of rocky decomposed gravel. The forest is of larger growth—talh and heglig, and the tracks of animals which have struggled through the deep mud that exists in the rains become visible.

3½ 192½ Road again crosses khor, and long grass hinders any view.

2½ 195 Road crosses outlet from Lake Keilak, which now becomes visible, and then goes due W. for two miles when Keilak is reached.

Keilak

2 197 Keilak is a series of groups of tukls badly built and inhabited by Homr Arabs who possess few flocks, a few horses, and appear to live on the Nubas.

The limits of the lake are very difficult to determine, as for 2 miles on N.E. and N. sides long grass 8 feet high hides all view, but from what can be observed by riding round the length was computed to be 4 miles and the breadth 2 miles. On 22.1.02, there was a very large expanse of open water, and the natives reported it to be considerably over a man’s height in depth. In order to reach the open water one has to wade through a broad fringe of green grass and lilies. Soil surrounding lake excellent, rich soil and water could be found a mile from edge, 6 feet below surface. The forest on S. and W. sides very good, and there are some really fine timber trees.

2 199 Leaving Keilak road runs N. for 2 miles then S.S.E., and numerous Arab settlements are passed situated along the outlet of the lake.

El Geref

4½ 203½ 4½ miles El Geref; Homr settlement; here there is water in any quantity, 8 paces broad with grass and water-lilies covering the surface. Water 1 to 2 feet deep in places. Current very slight; Arabs clear spaces and fence them round for fish to collect in.

1¼ 204¾ Road then goes S.W. for 1¼ miles, then S.S.E. for 2½ miles over a broad swamp, dry at date of crossing (25.1.02), but covered with long grass and pitted with elephant tracks, which were terrible pitfalls for the baggage animals. After crossing this bit of country, track runs S.W., along edge of bed of river, which was dry, and going became better, and when track ran on the slightly elevated edge of forest; the soil was sandy and going good until El Yoi was reached. Along immediate edge of river, forest very good. To the E. and W. away from river, talh and heglig forest and cotton soil.

2½ 207¼

El Yoi

20¾ 228

At El Yoi two pools were found, containing good water sufficient for our wants, but likely only to last for a few days. Ground here much cut up and intersected by small water channels, while soil was baked hard and cracked in all directions, making it most difficult for bulls and donkeys to travel. At El Yoi itself, good shade and fine trees; forest in neighbourhood and to S. consists of talh, and ground covered with long grass.

El Dirkoei

7¾ 235¾ Road continues S.W., and after 7¾ miles, El Dirkoei is reached; this place merely a reach of the river, which at the time contained a little water.

El Debekir

3½ 239¼ Three and a-half miles S.W., El Debekir was reached. Here there was an Arab (Homr) settlement; water in bed of river, 8 feet deep in places and covered with grass (27.1.02), but dry on 11.2.02.

13¾ 253 From Debekir road runs over black cotton soil very much fissured. W. by S. for 13¾ miles, then S.S.W. for 3 miles when heglig forest is entered and El Anga on river is reached. Here there is an Arab settlement, and there was a little water (28.1.02).

El Anga

3 256

Kuek

5½ 261½ Road now runs 1¾ miles S.W., and S. for 3¾ miles when Kuek is reached. Here the river is 50 yards broad, and the water was from 2 feet 6 inches to 4 feet deep, but covered with grass. Large Arab settlement and many cattle.

H. Debib

6 267½ Road runs S.W. for 6 miles, when H. Debib is passed; a few Homr Arabs living here; but in the rains there are many wells; one well 6 feet deep, water good.

General run of road now S.S.W. to S.

Fula Hamadai 3½ 271 Fula Hamadai with a little water sufficient to water animals on 30.1.02; but dry on 9.2.02. Small villages—mere collection of three or four huts passed at El Jaart and Um Geren.

Fut 11¾ 282¾ Eleven and three quarter miles from Fula Hamadai, village named Fut was passed. Country here more open and lower bush; going better, and road crosses river bed; dry and long grass.

Fauwel

4 286¾ Fauwel is reached. Large Arab settlement; much water in river, and an open expanse 1¾ miles surrounded by reeds. Geese and waterfowl. Homr Arabs here very wild, but possess many cattle, goats and sheep.

8¾ 295½ Road now runs 1 mile S.W. and 5¾ miles S.S.E. and strikes the river, then continues to run alongside of it for 2 miles, when the river takes a bend N.E. The river here is very broad, 300 yards in places and the water is 3 feet 6 inches deep, generally the surface is covered with grass and weeds, and very little open water is seen. The trees on bank are also much bigger.

Bahr El Arab 5 300½ The Bahr El Arab here has to be crossed, and this was done at a point where it was 120 yards broad, with water 3 to 3 feet 6 inches deep, the baggage bulls being unloaded and the baggage being carried across by hand. Bed of river very muddy.

From this point, which is known to the Arabs, as the district of Bara, the river flows S.S.E. as far as could be judged.

Track now runs S., and at 5 miles divides one running S.S.W. to the country of a Dinka chief called Rueng, the other S.S.W. leads over a wide plain covered with long grass and a few bushes; surface of ground much fissured and soil much cut up.

Country changes to forest after some miles.

Bongo 14¾ 315¼ The first Dinka village of Bombo is reached. This district is now known as Bongo, and 3 miles on, S.W., is one of the villages of Tehak, another of the same name being met 2½ miles on.

3 318¼

Tehak 2½ 320¾

These villages, neatly built, are used by the Dinkas in the rains and as long as the water lasts. At the present date, 2.2.02., all the inhabitants had left and were grazing their herds of cattle where grass and water were to be found.

Etai

2 322¾ Reached Etai, where the first Dinkas were met. Here there were large settlements, and the people were most friendly. A chief named Lor has his headquarters here. A large watercourse flows in from N.E. and meets another watercourse, the Regabet El Lau, which comes from N.W., and then joining runs into the Kir, or Bahr El Jange, in a southerly direction.

Kir, or Bahr El Jange

5½ 328¼ Road continues for 3 miles through forest S.W., then runs W. for 2½, miles, and the Kir River, or Bahr El Jange, is struck, as one reaches the settlements of Sultan Rob.

The river here is a most pleasant sight after the monotonous red talh forest and long grass, and is 80 yards broad now, 3.2.02., 12 to 15 feet deep, current 1½ miles an hour. Banks low but firm, with green rushes and grass along the edges. In the rains the banks are flooded and the river widens to 200 to 400 yards. There are a few dugouts here; the natives say that canoes can go in open water to the Bahr El Ghazal. Fish are plentiful, as are also crocodiles and hippos.

The district on N. bank is called Mareg. The district on S. bank is called Masian, and the Sultan Rob lives in the latter. Much dura is cultivated.

102. — ОТ РЕКИ КИР ДО ФАУВЕЛЯ.

Майор Э. Б. Уилкинсон, январь и февраль 1902 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

2¼ — Leaving Sultan Rob’s settlement the road runs N.W., and the river is left on the left, but is struck again 2¼ miles on, and the path keeps along the left bank. The country here is all open, and much dura cultivated. Dinka dwellings are dotted about, and the country presents a most prosperous aspect.

Gohea

2¾ 5 Village of Gohea on river bank, which here has become overgrown with reeds, grass, &c. River here turns to N.W., and road now runs N.E. for 2¾ miles, then E. by N.

2¾ 7¾

1 8¾ One mile on Regabet El Lau, coming in from N. and running S.

El Niat

1¼ 10 The commencement of a large swamp, now dry, called El Niat, but covered with long grass, and going is very bad.

4½ 14½ End of El Niat.

1½ 16 Direction of road changes to N.

Gulmaia 9¼ 25¼ Gulmaia, a pool containing very bad water; almost dried up.

Abu Kareit

4 29¼ Abu Kareit, on Bahr El Arab. Homr settlement. River here 100 yards broad, with water 2 feet 6 inches deep covered with grass; river here flows E. and W.

Mellum 4¾ 34 Track follows river bank.

Mellum, an Arab settlement, with Khor Famai running in from N.

Regabet El Shaib

6½ 40½ River now flows W. by N., and 6½ miles on Regabet El Shaib; flows in the N. from river; now bends S.W., and enters district called Bara. Immediately at this point flows in Keilak El Yoi; and Fauwel flows in from N.E.

Fauwel 3¼ 43¾ From Regabet El Shaib road runs N.E., and another 3¼ miles N. brings one to Fauwel.

Общее описание Бахр-эль-Араба и Дар-эль-Хомра.

Как только выходишь из холмистой местности Нубы, взору открывается обширная равнина, абсолютно лишенная ориентиров: почва резко меняется на богатую черную хлопковую почву с трещинами, некоторые из которых настолько широки и глубоки, что опасны для быков и ослов из-за того, что они застревают в них ногами. Поверхность земли равномерно покрыта деревьями тальх и хеглиг; изредка встречаются тамаринд и кау. Были замечены только два каучуковых дерева. Местные жители, по-видимому, не знают, как их использовать. Бахр-эль-Араб на этом участке очень мелкий, без выраженных берегов, и в это время года вода находится в основном в лужах. Все притоки — такие же мелкие водотоки, и в сезон дождей местность, по-видимому, представляет собой одно огромное болото. Только в нескольких местах, Фаувель, Кейлак и Куэк, арабы хомр остаются круглый год, так как говорят, что мухи и комары мучают людей и животных до такой степени, что жизнь становится невыносимой.

103. — ОТ ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ДО СУНГИКАЯ ЧЕРЕЗ ЭЛЬ-АТШАН И ЭЛЬ-ХАМАДИ.

Заместитель инспектора К. Э. Лайлл.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

El Obeid 5 5 After leaving El Obeid in a southerly direction, road divides, going S. to Mereikab and S.S.W. to El Atshan.

Road continues in S.S.W. direction, and thorn bush does not impede travelling; going generally good.

El Atshan 17 22 El Atshan wells are reached, 22 miles from El Obeid; quite dry—20.4.03.

Leaving El Atshan, road divides S.S.E. to Kadero, S.W. to El Hamadi; country generally open bush and good going. Two khors with fine timber are crossed.

El Hamadi 18 40 El Hamadi is reached 18 miles from El Atshan. On 20.4.03 there was a little water in shallow wells in khor; it took about 2 hours to get two burmas. On 5.6.03 there was no water.

El Nebag 7 47 Leaving El Hamadi, road goes S.W.; at first a good deal of thorn bush, till passing El Nebag, which is a depression with many magnificent trees and in which there is water in the rains. After passing El Nebag the road opens out, and the going is good and hard. After travelling 18 miles from El Hamadi, El Hagiz, a shallow khor with some good shade, is reached. Half a mile before reaching El Hagiz road is joined by road from Um (Girban) Durban.

Khor El Haigiz 11 58

Sungikai, H. Gaghgagh 12 70 Road continues in a S.W. direction till Sungikai is reached. The hella is 2 miles from the wells. Unlimited water.

Примечание. — На дороге Эль-Обейд — Хамади — Сунгикай, за исключением сезона дождей, очень мало тени, кроме как в Эль-Атшане, Хамади, Эль-Небаге и Умхагизе.

104. — ОТ ДИЛЛИНГА ДО ЭЛЬ-ОБЕЙДА ЧЕРЕЗ СУНГИКАЙ, УМ-ДУРБАН И УМ-РАМАД.

Заместитель инспектора К. Э. Лайлл, июнь 1903 г. и март 1904 г.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

Dilling (Nuba)

— — The road from Dilling to Sungikai soon after passing Jebel Dilling separates from the Dilling-Nila road and keeps W. of it. The general direction is N.E., the road is good going and fairly free from thorns. There are a few patches of black cotton soil; after 10 miles the road crosses the Khor Abu Habl,[33] and continues N.E. till Hellet Gad el Kerim is reached.

Gad El Kerim (Hawazma) 16 16

Sungikai (Zeriba El Aguz)

6 22 The inhabitants of this village drink from the wells at Nila, except during the rains, when they drink from pools in Khor Abu Habl. The road keeps up on the rising ground, passing numerous villages till the largest village in the immediate neighbourhood of Sungikai, Zeriba el Aguz, is reached.

Sungikai (H. Gaghgagh) 2 24 Leaving this village the road from Sungikai after being joined by roads from the numerous surrounding villages continues in a N.E. direction till El Hagiz is reached, ½ mile after passing which the road divides N.N.E. to Um Durban. The road, after passing to the W. of Zeriba el Aguz, goes H. Gaghgagh and thence to El Hagiz, where it divides W. to Um Durban and E. to El Hamadi.

Um Durban (Kenana) 24 48 The road is at first very winding with a good deal of shok, after about 6 miles it opens out, and continues fair till Um Durban is reached; where on 5.6.03, there was a little water from wells in khor; in March 1904, the water had dried up.

Leaving Um Durban the road goes N.E., after about 6 miles Hellet Kafawa is passed some 4 miles to the W. of the road.

Um Ramad (Bederia) 30 78 The road continues in the same direction N.E., the going being uniformly good and free from shok, except in a few depressions and khors till after some 24 miles, when the soil becomes heavy red sand, which continues till Um Ramad is reached. At this village there are numerous shallow wells and water holes, but they were quite dry on 6.6.03, but plenty of water 1.5.04. The people drink from Abu Haraz and Obeid. The road from Um Durban joins the Abu Haraz road ½ mile from Um Ramad.

After passing Um Ramad the road broadens out into a track about 15 feet wide, and continues in a N.E. direction till El Obeid is reached.

El Gika

5 83 Five miles after leaving Um Ramad, the first El Gika village is passed ½ mile to the left of the road. Plenty of water 1.5.04.

El Obeid 11 94 There are five villages at El Gika, each about a mile from the other; the road to El Obeid from El Gika runs parallel to the Abu Haraz-El Obeid road until it joins it about 3 miles from El Obeid. On this road from Sungikai there is very little shade, except at the villages.

105. — МАРШРУТЫ В ДАР-НУБЕ — ЮЖНЫЙ КОРДОФАН.

Капитан К. Г. Левесон, 18-й (принца Уэльского) гусарский полк, декабрь 1903 г. — март 1904 г.

(i.) От Джебель-Тендика до Лукки.

Place. Miles. Description.

Inter-mediate. Total.

Tendik — — Large Nuba village of 1,200 people. Most of the village is built in a hollow about 600 feet up the jebel and on a ridge above it. Good water up on the mountain, also good below, where there is a garrison of half company 12th Sudanese. Quiet, peaceable people; much cultivation; sheep and goats, but not many cattle. A big khor runs along E. and S. of jebel, through dense deleib palms. The road runs nearly due S., and crosses the big khor at 2 miles—re-crossing it again almost at once.

— 5 A jebel about 30 feet high on W. Cross a ridge and a khor a mile further on. All good going over gravel.

1 6

1 7

1 8 Cross another khor, when road runs between parallel ridges of stony hills for 2¼ miles, when the Khor Sesaban is reached.

2¼ 10¼

J. Odam 1¼ 11½ A small hill, 400 feet on right. Cross Khor Ardeib, 8 feet deep.

Khor Ardeib 1½ 13

For 5½ miles there is a range of low hills on right of road and for the next 5½ a low range on left of road.

11 24 Cross a khor.

Khor Nueila

1 25 A mile further on, and the Khor Nueila is reached. The main channel about 15 feet deep and 30 yards wide. Beyond is a swampy track 600 yards across, with pools of water (December, 1903), biggest 100 yards long and 3 feet deep. Good clear water. Much game; tracks of lion and leopard. Hartebeeste and wart-hog seen. Elephants live about here in rains. After crossing swamp, track leads up on to higher ground, crossing a small khor, and at 1½ miles and further another khor.

1½ 26½

1½ 28

½ 28½ A small hill on right.

½ 29 Cross khor.

½ 29½ A hill on right, cross the Khor Id El Simoa, 6 feet deep, 30 yards wide.

1¼ 30¾ Small hill on right.

1 31¾ Cross Khor Jogham, 6 feet deep, 20 yards wide.

1 32¾ Small hill, J. Gelabi, on right.

Khor Hash Hashi 3¼ 36 A little water still standing in marshy ground behind main channel, which is 12 yards broad and 10 feet deep. Cross khor, and for 2½ miles there are low hills on left of road.

J. Thaba 4 40 J. Thaba on right of road, cone-shaped hill, with bald, smooth top, about 70 feet. A good landmark.

Khor Um Idara

3 43 Khor Um Idara, plenty of water here now. Tracks of lion. As usual, swarms of guinea fowl. Main channel 20 yards wide, 8 feet deep.

3½ 46½ Khor Um Aleik, shallow, broad, sandy khor.

J. Obni 1¼ 47¾ J. Obni, half a mile away on right of road.