By Major N. M. Smyth Bey, V.C., Queen’s Bays, November and December, 1901.
Most of country between Omdurman and El Safia is so barren that the grazing grounds are very limited in area, and the population is so sparse that beaten tracks are only to be found in the vicinity of the watering places.
Most of the country is scattered with low samr bush, which, not being in leaf owing to the scarcity of rain this year, affords little shade. Dead trees afford an abundant supply of fuel. Many wells get partly filled up with drift sand, or with mud brought down by the infiltration of water, which may be quickly cleaned out. The supply at all wells is dependent on the amount of rainfall.
N.B.—As there are no well-defined tracks, and the distances have been measured off the map, they are probably all too short.—H. H. S. M.
By Mr. James Currie, April, 1903.
The route from Debba to El Obeid is little used, even during the kharif when water is comparatively plentiful. At that season a few merchants carry dates to El Obeid, perhaps carrying back gum in exchange. The portion of the route from Debba to Safia is subject to variations according to the whim of the guide employed, as well as the season of the year. Some prefer the route Um Belila—El Amri—Hobagi—Haraza without going to Safia, whilst others during the dry season travelviâWabri, Inderab, Gumr, Gambar, Habisa, Bagbag, and Kagmar.
The track described below was plainly marked throughout, but, owing to scarcity of water, would be difficult, at any rate during the driest season, for a party of over twenty-five camels. Shade and firewood are plentiful throughout.
In the following report the only places where there was any water on the road are mentioned.
By Captain W. Lloyd, November, 1902.
This route is at present but little used, though there is a well-defined track throughout. It forms part of the old road to Darfur and is now used by merchants going to Nahud. From El Showa they go to Um Shidera, and thence, having watered their camels, to Shallota and Nahud.
By Captain W. Lloyd, March, 1900; with Additions in December, 1903.
By Captain W. Lloyd, October, 1900.
N.B.—The whole of this road is said to be passable to camels in the rains, but there would probably be a good deal of difficulty 8 miles from El Obeid, near Abu Sinun, and near Bur Islam.
By Captain B. C. Carter, Lancashire Fusiliers, March, 1902.
This route is longer thanRoute 84,but there is more water.
By Captain J. R. O’Connell, January, 1902.
By Colonel B. Mahon, C.B., D.S.O., December, 1901.
As far as Dam Jamad by Captain B. C. Carter, thence from Native Sources.
By Captain C. H. Townsend, 18th to 25th December, 1901.
By Captain W. Lloyd, October, 1900; and Major E. B. Wilkinson, December, 1901.
All villages between Nahud and Hamdan Tumbel procure their water from tebeldi trees. At Gabra and Zarzur water is procured from Um Bel. There is a certain amount of dukhn and melon cultivation near each village, but no other supplies excepting a few chickens.
No water between Nahud and Foga for any party marching, and not more than ten camels could be watered at Um Bel without depriving the inhabitants of their daily supply. This year (1901) owing to the drought there is no crop of water melons.
Country generally undulating and covered thick bush. Good track.
By Major E. B. Wilkinson, December, 1901.
Foga.—¾ mile S.W. of the hill, now turned into a defensive post, are the wells. There are at present (1901) nine wells giving water, and the Arabs of the Hamar and Kaja tribes are opening more. I have taken accurate measurements of depths of wells, and the depth varies from 50 to 80 feet below the surface. Water is only found in very small quantities at present, no well being able to water more than 30 camels per diem.
In the rains the Arabs dig, and have dug for many years, shallow hollows which fill up and last them through the winter sufficient to water their flocks; but this year, owing to very scanty rainfall, these hollows are all dry.[31]
There are many villages in the neighbourhood, consisting of ten to fifty huts. Dukhn is cultivated, and the Hamar Arabs also keep many ostriches, which at this time of year are all plucked quite bare. The feathers are taken to Nahud, where there is a good market for them.
By Captain J. R. O’Connell, July, 1902.
By Colonel B. Mahon, C.B., D.S.O., December, 1901.
N.B.—Distances approximate.