DONGOLAWI MERCHANT.
Captain H. Hodgson (February, 1903) writes with reference to this oasis:—
“Besides the old salt workings, which are capable of considerable development, there are some 2,000 fruit-bearing date trees. My estimate may not be very near, but I spent two hours with two other men counting in order to get this idea, and in this time counted 685 female trees, and covered only about one third of the ground. The trees are uncleaned with very thick undergrowth, and are being ruthlessly hacked in order to enable the Arabs (Hassanab from Kosha) to get at the fruit. Dates of the following species were collected: Kulma, Agwa, Barakawi, and Gawa. The first and second are both of considerable commercial value: the Agwa trees seem the most numerous.”
Tundubi.—For description of this oasis vide Route Report [ Dongola to Bir Sultan,] Vol. 2. The addax is found near here.
Lagia.—Vide Route Report [ Dongola to Lagia,] Vol. 2.
Bir Sultan.—Vide Route Report [ Dongola to Bir Sultan,] Vol. 2.
Tura.—An oasis said to lie about 150 miles south-west of Lagia, which is approximately 160 miles north-west by west from Dongola. Here there is said to be a sulphurous lake about ½ mile long, known as Tura El Bedai. Water, if obtained from holes dug on the margin of the lake, is said to be tolerably sweet and drinkable. There are many wild date trees here, for the fruit of which the Kababish and Bedaiat have been long accustomed to fight.
Section 2.—Wadi el Gab (Kab).
The Northern Branch of the Wadi El Gab.
(By Major A. E. Turner, R.A., December, 1884.)