BAYUDA DESERT ARABS.
Cultivation.The Arabs cultivate their dura in certain well-known wadis, mostly in the more southern districts, according to the rainfall, which is, as a rule, not heavy, and very local, and varies considerably from year to year.
Wadi Melh.The W. El Melh is a broad shallow depression, frequently a mile or more in width, having its origin near Um Badr. It is inhabited here and there by the Kababish. It reaches the Nile at Debba, though it has long since ceased, if ever, to discharge water into that river. For further description of this wadi, vide Route Report [Dongola to El Fasher,] Part III. This route is now seldom, if ever, used. Vide also report on El Ein, [p. 210.]
Wadi Mogaddam.The next wadi of importance in this district is the Wadi Mogaddam which has its origin near Bagbag, about 60 miles south-west of Omdurman, and joins the Nile near Korti after a course of about 200 miles in length. For description of this wadi and the wells, etc., in it, vide Route Report [ Gabra to Korti,] Part III.
Gabra.The wells of Gabra in the Wadi Mogaddam, nearly 60 miles north-west of Omdurman, are an important Arab centre, there being many wells and a good deal of cultivation in the neighbourhood. The Arabs are principally Kababish, but Geriat and Hassania also come here. Gabra is under the Governor of Khartoum, but the boundaries of Dongola, Berber, and Kordofan Provinces are all within a few miles of it.
Communications.Communications throughout this district are bad owing to scarcity of water. The principal trade routes are:—
(1) Debba-Fasher viâ the Wadi Melh (little used).
(2) Debba-El Obeid viâ Amri, Hobagi, and Haraza (used a little during rainy season).
(3) Debba-El Obeid viâ Amri, Elai, and Habisa (longer than (2) but more water).
(4) Debba to Omdurman[134] viâ Inderab, Gumr and Gabra (a good deal used).