Page:Mount Seir, Sinai and Western Palestine.djvu/107

Rh day both Hart and myself found shells (Cardium, Trochus, &c.) and corals near our camp, at an elevation of 130 feet, and there was no reason to doubt that they might have been found even at higher levels up the valley. From this it was clear that during the time that the shores of the Gulf of Suez were depressed 200 feet (or more) lower than at present, those of the Gulf of Akabah experienced a like submergence. This raised beach had also been recognised by Mr. Milne, who estimated the rise of the land at 40 feet. From the above account, however, it will be seen the real amount of elevation has been much greater.

Our course during the next two days lay along the Arabah Valley northwards, during which we made short excursions to the right and left. The mountains of red porphyry and granite, seamed by numerous dykes, towered majestically on the right; and under the rays of the setting sun were lighted up with rich tints of red and purple. On the left the cliffs of sandstone, surmounted by others of limestone, formed the abrupt margin of the Tîh plateau. During this time we had opportunities of becoming acquainted with our new escort, under the command of Sheikh Ali. It was soon apparent that our Alowîn were inferior to the Towára (whom the former affected to look down upon as not true Bedawins at all), both in physical development and in sagacity. Generally speaking, our Alowîn were small in stature, nearly black, a half-starved, smoke-dried set, clad in rags or dirty garments; in a word, a gang of ragamuffins! My own camel-driver was a poor half-witted fellow, who gave me much trouble, and was quite unreliable at a pinch. He was a sorry substitute for my well-built, intelligent, and lively Sala; though, to do him justice, he was most anxious to please; and when, some days later, I had to get him exchanged for another, he was dreadfully downcast.

The entrance to the Wâdy Redadi, about 12 miles north of the shores of the gulf, is remarkable for the castellated and pinnacled forms of the limestone cliff, of which Gordon took a photograph. In this district game of various kinds appears to abound. Sheikh Ali told us that ibexes were numerous amongst the mountains on the east side, and gazelles, hares, and partridges were observed by most of our party. The gazelles, however, were so shy that it was almost impossible to get within shot of them. Hart noticed one undisturbed, and was preparing to stalk it, but just as he was approaching within range his camel began to bellow, and he saw