THE WATER OF THE NILE. Gl

the “drop-night.” But certain it is that, were it not
to happen, Egypt, from the great heat, would produes
nothing; for, being near the rising sun, it scarcely
ever rains, save at very long intervals.’

 $Of a truth, observed Walter, ‘all this sounds
strange to English ears.’

‘Where the river enters Egypt,’ continued Beitran,
‘there are expert persons, who may be called the
fishermen of this stream, and who, in the evening,
cast their nets into the water, and in the morning
frequently find many spices in them, such as ginger,
cinnamon, rhubarb, cloves, lignum-aloes, and other
good things, which they sell by weight.’

‘ But how come the spices into the water ?’ enquired
Walter. |

‘Well, it is the belief of the country that they
come from the terrestrial paradise, and that the
wind blows them down from these fine trees, as,
in your forests, the wind blows down the old dry
wood. But such is mere surmise, albeit widely
credited.’ .

‘And the water of the Nile is deemed sweet to the
taste?’ said Walter.

* None in the world more sweet. The Arabs hold
that, if Mahomet had once tasted it, he would have
prayed that he might live for ever, so as unceasingly
to enjoy its sweetness.’

‘And yet it seems so turbid to the eye?’

‘True; but, when the natives drink of it, it is
clear as crystal. ‘Towards evening, crowds come down
to get water, and: especially women, who, on such
occasions, are decorated with all the ornaments they