themselves in full dress, unless the hair of the head has been combed
sleek, then braided and platted together, and afterwards plentifully
anointed with butter. They never cut the hair, I believe; it
consequently forms an immense bunch behind the head, similar to that
observable in some of the ancient statues of Egypt.[34] The barbarous
practice of excision is universally performed upon all their females,
whether free or slaves; as is the case also among all the tribes
inhabiting the banks of the Nile above Assuan.

The people of Berber are, in their exterior deportment, mild and polite.
Every man we meet, uniformly gives us the greeting of peace, "Salaam
aleikoum," and uniformly shows a disposition to accommodate us in every
thing reasonable. This is probably owing to their being, in a very
considerable degree, a commercial people; Berber being every year
visited and traversed by numerous caravans from Abyssinia, Sennaar,
Darfour, and Kordofan.

23d of Jamisalachar. This day arrived the Divan Effendi, from Shendi,
accompanied by the Malek of that province, and the son of Malek Shouus,
the chief of the fugitive Shageias. The Malek of Shendi was accompanied
by a considerable suite, and two most beautiful horses, intended as a
present to the Pasha.[35] On being introduced to his Excellence, he kissed
his hand, and pressed it to his forehead, and told him that he had come
to surrender himself and his country to his favor and protection.
His Excellence received him graciously, presented him with splendid
habiliments, and a horse richly caparisoned. After his presentation
was finished, he was conducted to the tent of the Hasnardar, who was
directed by the Pasha to treat him with due hospitality. The son of
Malek Shouus came in behalf of his father, and other distinguished
chiefs of the Shageias, to implore the mercy of the Pasha for these