We took the direction of the tag. In less than half an hour we had reached, and we entered the alfa. As I expected, the road enters a series of plateaux greens, all the same, of small extent, taking place from north to south and succeeding with sad regularity. Here and there, but so that there is always at least to the same gray pyramid is placed on the edge of the horizon. During four hours of walking, I did not see any sense in the smaller area that was not green as a field sorrel. Under the blue sky, and when we know in the Sahara, this spring color product most unpleasant surprise. The contrast is unexpected, but absolutely ugly. I have spoken elsewhere of the alfa and if I come back is to take a careful account of my impressions today.

At ten o’clock we halted in the deep bed of a river. In summer, one wonders where the rivers were digging of such beds. There is now a small source, reduced to nothing, but can not say. The tank has not two strides wide. She goes out with a slight ripple in the mid-cress, and a few steps away is lost or rather slips into the sand. I had never seen a source with a reduced price if not more anxious to go. This is a warning that all travelers understand, I noticed, indeed, that the banks were in no trampled, though used as a rendezvous for caravans in this season. We then took exemplarily the provision necessary for our convoy. I drew myself with the utmost care, and I filled our goatskins clear water, light and almost cool. Especially it prevented the horses to drink. All around the bed of the river is crowded with white rocks, charred, disorganized as the limestone begins to cook, their brightness to the sun is unbearable.