[1]If the reader should wish to consult Dr. Perron’s work in the British Museum, he will find the “Voyage au Darfour” under the head “Muhammad Ibn Umar,” in the Old Catalogue, p. 98 b; and the “Voyage au Wadaï” under the same head in the New Catalogue. I believe that, after “Mehemet,” it would be impossible to select a system of spelling more likely to mislead in pronunciation. The Arabic version will be found in the New Catalogue—also under Muhammad, but further on, p. 103 a.
[2]See the introduction for observations on the chronology of the Sheikh.
[3]It will be observed that our Sheikh here drops all allusion to his mother, who, perhaps, to a certain extent, abandoned him. Altogether, this narrative illustrates the slightness of the family bond in the East.
[4]The Arabs rarely start on a journey on Friday before the mid-day prayer, it being considered unlucky.—Perron.
[5]The Sheikh had better fortune, if his memory did not betray him, than most travellers. It generally takes a good day’s sail to reach as far as Benisouef.
[6]This was during the French occupation of Egypt.
[7]The Darfur caravan still starts from the same neighbourhood.
[8]The eunuchs of high rank in Darfur marry, that they may appear to have a family.
[9]Rashid was one of the titles of the Orphan.
[10]Basy is a title meaning great, and is applied to most of the courtiers.