'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.' [‎694] (793/905)

694
PERSONAL QUALITIES [CHAP. XXV.
The Arabs The Arab is an excellent swimmer, dexterous in crossing
gQod rivers, bv means of inflated skins and rafts, and an expert
swimmers. , •> •j- n
diver; he is likewise a good boatman, and, considering ail
his disadvantages, a tolerable navigator. He is also capable
of enduring great fatigue, and many privations.
Character of It is difficult to imagine any contrast more striking than
the Bedawms. which i s presented by the Bedawin in a town, and the
same man when breathing the air of the desert. In the latter
case, although indifferent to the beauties of nature, his spirits
become elevated; the indolence and silence which charac
terizes him in a town is exchanged for the highest degree of
animation; and he indulges his lively imagination in in
venting or relating tales, and at intervals, on a journey,
screaming out some wild song, which, however agreeable to
himself, and encouraging to his camel, is any thing but
harmonious to a stranger. His cheerful disposition, his
frugal repasts, and an active, hardy life, are well calculated to
secure the best possible state of health, with unimpaired
faculties, till an advanced age; his quickness of sight and
hearing are scarcely exceeded by those of the North American
Facuityof Indians, and the habits of an erratic life have taught him to
steps"*' ^ trace the footsteps of any particular individual or animal.
This singular power is called kiafat, or athr, according to
Burckhardt, and is said to be more particularly possessed by
the tribe of Modlij. 1 An Arab has been known to trace the
footsteps of his camel for six days along a sandy valley, which
had been crossed in every direction by thousands of other
footsteps, and also to name every individual who had passed. 2
He is accustomed also, by placing the mark of his foot at a
certain spot, in a particular direction, to make known to his
friends that he has been there, and also the route he has
taken. 3 His tact enables him to find his way across the
desert independently of the compass, which is rarely used
by him on land. Ludovicus Bertrommanus, however, men
tions that his pilot or guide used a compass, when taking him
1 Arabic MS., 7354, in the British Museum.
2 Burckhardt's Wahhdbi and Bedawin, p. 212.
3 Ibid.