Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 1.djvu/340

 270 NORTH-EAST AFRICA. Avhicli procured Kordof^n for the Egyptians, and which revenged, after a course of two generations, the still more terrible battle of Kashgil. One of the stations on the route between Bara and Dabbeh is the oasis of Kaimar, or Kajmar, where there is a small intermittent lake full of salt water ; but the wells in the vicinity furnish fresh water nearly as good as that of the Nile. In the vicinity, on the Jebel-IIaraza, Lojean has seen a rock covered with curious paintings, which probably represent a razzia. One of the figures is represented of a gigantic stature, the beard cut to a point, and wearing a costume similar to that used by the Franks during the First Crusade. Beyond this point, on the route to Dabbeh, lies the oasis of Ea-Safi, which, thanks to its magnificent vegetation, is one of the most beautiful in all Africa. Although not permanently inhabited it may be considered as the centre of the Kababish nation, who cultivate the soil and water their cattle at its streams. At the period of Cuny's visit, at least fifteen thousand camels were grazed in the district surrounding Lake Es-Safi. The water, which probably filters from the Nile through the sand or subterranean rocks, covers a vast space, and is dotted with islands. During the rainy season the trees on the banks are partly submerged by the rising waters. Flocks of ducks and geese swim on the surface of the lake, whilst its banks are lined with waterfowl— storks, herons, ibis, secretaries, and pelicans. i