(5) Debba to Omdurman viâ Elai and Gabra (little used).
(6) Ambugol and Merowe to Shendi (Metemma) (little used).
(7) Merowe to Berber viâ Sani (a good deal used).
(8) Merowe to Omdurman[134] viâ Hamboti and Wadi Bishara.
(9) Gabra to Korti (little used).
All the above routes except No. 8 are described in the route reports in Vol. II, and from them some idea of the country may be obtained. The traffic along No. (7) will presumably increase considerably on the completion of the Nile-Red Sea Railway.
(From the Reports of the Surveying Parties employed by Mr. G. Kilgour and Mr. Fowler, C.E., 1871-72, and other Sources.)
Northern Bayuda Desert.The track across the Bayuda Desert, from Ambugol to Shendi, is comparatively easy going, and is fairly well supplied with water; but not being a main trade route, it is little used by caravans.
There are no difficult defiles or passes.
The tract of country traversed consists of extensive plains divided by ranges of low hills. It is very unlike the sterile and rocky deserts further north, and in many places shows abundant signs of vegetation. Wadis, pastures of long coarse grass, and many clusters of trees are met with, whilst, during the rainy season, the ground is susceptible of profitable cultivation in some parts.