The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-11-24
MOTORING
Xxx II ASHINGTON, November 49,
\VNW Special -What manner of peo-

pie constitute the body poll
tic of the worlds newest kingdom, that
of Arabia, forms the subject of a timely
war geography bulletin issued from the
Washington headquarters or the National
Geographic society. The bulletin is based
upon the observations ana experiences of
one Of the societys correspondents who
has spent many years in the near east.
Concerning the Beduuins, the nomadic
class in Arabia, whose extensive camps
are scattered over the interior of the
great southwestern peninsula of Asia,
the bulletin says:
"Of the Bedouins and the Fellahs the
settled agricultural class the former are
the more numerous people and by far the
more interesting. The Bedouin pities the
city dweller because fate has decreed
ment of a house or enclosed city, while
the city man congratulates himself on his
good fortune in being spared the dangers,
inconvenience and exposures that are the
lot of the tent dweller.
1.-THE life of the latter is an uncertain
one. His tent is home made, spun and
woven by the women of his harem from
goats hair, the accumulation of many
years. This tent cloth is waterproof and
a good protection against the fierce sun of
the desert. 1t Is very portable and serves
for many generations. Each camp has
it's chief. part Of whose tent is set apart
as a guest room, in which visitors are en-
titled to three days hospitality.
1.-THE chief gives the order to move
camp and decides on the new pitch. Lo-
cal disputes are referred to him for set
tlement and in the event of his being I'M
able to adjust the matter the disputants
must go to the capital and present their
case to the Emir. This they are slow to
do for it means a long journey and alb
sence from home for an uncertain time.
as we'll as some amount of expense The
chief, too, is responsible for the good be-
Aavior Of the people in his district and
tribe.
1.-The desert which the Bedouin calls
home has to be lived in, crossed. slept on,
made ones abode for time before 1t can
be thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed.
The boasting of the Beduoins about the
free life they enjoy. and their pity for
their city neighbors, confined in their
close and dark dwellings,, can be excused
after a sojourn in their tents. But the
desert life is not all honey by any means.
for is there not always the danger OF at
tack from the nothing-to-lose and ALTO
gain members of society. or the risk OF
perishing for want of water, or the CIV
ing-out Of ones food without the posi-
bility of being able to replenish the sup
ply?
when travelling through inland Arabia
the routine of travel Is somewhat ardu-
ous Up with the daybreak and as soon
as possible load the camels; ride for some
four or five hours; then put down for the
first morning meal, which usually consists
of dates and water; then off again until
late in the afternoon. when a halt is
made for the night. Supper usually con-
sists of warm bread with an onion or
dates as relish. Bread is prepared in
as simple a manner as possible. While
the coarse flour and water are being
kneaded into dough large fire Is made
which provides a good heap Of hot
ashes. On part of these the flattened
dough is laid, then covered with the re-
mainder of the ashes. In about Is min
utes the dough is sufficiently baked. 1t
is then well beaten to free 1t from the
ashes, broken in pieces. and divided
among those who from their bags have
contributed to the meal.
After the evening feast coffee is made
by some member Of the party and in tiny
cups handed round to each one. as much
regard being paid to etiquette as if all
were assembled in the most spacious
guest room in the largest city in the
country.
Conversation never lags and until
late in the evening the mem talk, some
telling imaginary stories. others reciting
lmpromptu poetry. until, Tired out, all
except those designated I'd keep watch
roll up in their large cloaks and are
ell