Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 1.djvu/429

 year, returning to the desert after harvest-tide. Thus their manner of life rather than their racial descent distinguishes the various sections of the population.

Nevertheless after settling down as sedentary colonists, the children of the desert continue to enjoy great privileges, and for generations are exempt from the corvée and conscription. At the same time the Bedouins of Egypt are by no means politically independent. Separated into two distinct groups by the Nile valley, those of the Arabian desert, no less than their kindred of the Libyan oases, occupy districts easily commanded on all sides. Hence they are completely dependent on their neighbours for their supplies of all kinds. They are moreover divided into some

fifty different tribes, several of which live in a constant state of hostility amongst themselves. No instance has yet been recorded of all the Bedouins of the desert making common cause in defence of their common freedom.

One of the most powerful tribes of the Arabian desert is that of the Maazeh, or "Goatherds," who, according to Maspero, are the ancient Maziu Libyans assimilated to the Arabs within a recent period. They are the hereditary foes of the Ababdeh, who are of Beja stock, and who dwell to the south of Kosseir, in the valleys of the Cataract range, and in Lower Nubia. The Ababdeh live mainly on milk and durrah, the latter eaten either raw or roasted, or made into unleavened cakes. Their chief