'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.' [‎683] (782/905)

CHAP. XXV.]
REMOVAL OF A CAMP.
683
The Arab, feeling himself at home in every part of the Preparation
desert, requires few preparations, even for the longest journey; foramarch -
yet scarcely any scene is more animating than that which is
presented by a tribe on the march. In the centre of an
encampment is the tent of the emir or sheikh, which, as well
as the others, has the lance of the proprietor planted upright
at the entrance, and is surrounded by horses, camels, sheep,
and goats. A change of residence being determined upon,
the task of getting ready the provisions and culinary utensils
devolves upon the women; and this being accomplished after
the evening meal, all is considered to be ready. Next morn
ing, the mixed flock of sheep and goats, accompanied by their
keepers and many dogs, also the spare and brood camels, with
their young, proceed onward some two or three hours before
the camp is in motion. Three or four experienced guides,
mounted on light camels are placed in advance, and a certain
number of the horsemen of the tribe serve as a guard, watch
ing carefully in front, and scouring to some little distance
beyond each flank. Some of the shepherds bring up the rear
of the flock, and these have generally in their bosoms one or
two of the youngest lambs or kids, covered by their cloaks.
Whilst this company advances slowly on, the camp is in the
full bustle of striking tents and loading camels. These
operations require time, especially as the women, in the per
formance of the tasks allotted to them, do not, as in Europe,
receive aid from the men. But the work being completed,
the animals with the heavy baggage, such as tents, bags of
grain, rolls of carpet, pots and pans, and fowls suspended in
light baskets made of date branches, are sent forward. The Manner in
women then take their places, each man endeavouring to
women are
prevent his wife from being exposed to the gaze of other men conveyed,
when getting to her shebrye, or haudag. This is a sort of
palanquin enclosed by richly-fringed crimson curtains, and is
sufficiently large to permit the occupant at pleasure either to
sit or lie at length. It is mounted on a camel, and every
Arab who can afford the expense provides one for his wife.
The negresses and other female attendants, as well as the
children, are also accommodated on camels, the women gene-