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Here I observed the chain of Wareerat was rounded off on the eastern side, and of considerably less altitude, whilst the peaks of the opposite or western side were steep and escarpé, owing apparently to the action of the water in the wady. Continuing our course on the plain for an hour or two, we arrived at the oasis of Serdalas, a handful of cultivation, but very fair and of vigorous growth.
About ten A.M., the palms of Ghat were visible through the scattered blocks of rock in the valley, for the plain became now contracted and assumed the shape of a deep broad valley, on the one side a low range of sand-hills, and on the other the high rocky chain of Wareerat. But the first sight of the oasis, after nineteen weary days of Desert, affected me with only disagreeable sensations.
It is its detached condition from the neighbouring chain of Wareerat, with which its geological structure is indissolubly connected, that has given this huge pile its supernatural reputation. The Demons' Rock is apparently a huge square, having four faces, and requiring a day to make the tour of its rugged and jutting basements. Its highest turret-peaks may be some six or seven hundred feet.
Some of the Ghafalah go on before the rest. The Plain and Well of Tadoghseen. Encounter and Adventure with the quasi Bandit Sheik, Ouweek. Enter the region of the Jenoun or Genii. Mountain Range of Wareerat. 6th. ROSE at day-break but did not start until after sun-rise. Continued through the sand.
We proceeded, still in sight of this enchanted castle, over the plain, which was perfectly bare and arid, until we arrived at Wady Atoulah, where we found the beneficent ethel and some good pickings for the camels. Not pausing long here, we proceeded another hour, and encamped in Wady Tahala, just in front of the imposing Kasar, and full in view of the mountains of Wareerat to the east.
Beyond the Kesar Jenoun stretches away north and south the long range of black basaltic mountains, called by our people Wareerat, but I am not sure if this be the Touarick name. This ridge forms the boundaries of the Tibboo and Touarick country, for it stretches as far or farther south than the Tibboos, some fifteen or twenty days' journey.
The contrasts are striking, and spite the gloom of Wareerat range, it is a bright desert scene. The town is small, and the gardens are also extremely limited; the oasis is comprehended within a circle of not more than three or four miles. The palms are dwarfish, and half of them do not bear fruit, and their dates are of the most ordinary kind.
Hateetah dreads this hill, and has told me many strange stories of wonderful sights having been seen; these he firmly believes, and is struck with horror, when we tell him we will visit it." Our countrymen kept the range of Wareerat the whole day, and were amazed with the great variety of forms.
Mode of Fashionable Dressing of the Hair, and Female Adornment. Saharan Beauties. Costume of Touaricks. Gardens of the Governor. Attempt a Journey to Wareerat Range. Hateetah and Haj Ibrahim become reconciled. Departure of Kandarka for Aheer. Day of my departure from Ghat. Moral and Social Condition of the Saharan People compared to European Society. Force of our Slave Caravan.
Coasting the Range of Wareerat or Taseely. Soudan Species of Sheep. Soudan Parrot. The Lethel Tree. The Tholh, or Gum-Arabic Tree. Falling of Rain in The Desert. Oasis of Serdalas. My Companions of Travel. Weather Hot and Sultry. The Slaves bear up well. The Ship of The Desert. Extremes of Cold and Heat. Mausoleum of Sidi Bou Salah. Serdalas, a neglected Oasis. The Sybil of The Sahara.
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