III. Water Analyses from Wells in the Nubian Desert, South-east of Korosko

Abstract

The water was collected from wells in the Nubian Desert in December 1894 by Capt. H. G. Lyons, R.E., who has sent with each specimen the following description :— 1. Murrat Wells. Water-surface 10 feet from the ground; depth 2 feet 6 inches. if the water is all used up by a caravan, the well refills in a few hours, trickling in at the sides. Last fall of rain in November 1891, except for two or three showers. No vegetation within half a mile of the wells, which are sunk in the sand-and-gravel detritus filling the valley. The supply of water is said by the Arabs to be unlimited. Wells from 1 to 8 in number, open at various times. 2. Bir Tilat Abda. Called by the Arabs a ‘bitter’ well. Water 20 feet from the surface; well sunk in sand-and-gravel detritus. Considerable vegetation around it. Last rain in November 1891. 3. Bir Ab Araga. Water 20 feet from the surface. A moderate number of trees and shrubs in the vicinity. Last rain fell in November 1891. Used by the Arabs who live in the neighbourhood. The tables (p. 375)give the analyses of the waters. In the first table the figures are the actual amounts of the substances found; the second table gives the approximate constitution. The wells are numbered as above :—1 = Murrat, 2 = Bir Tilat Abda, 3 = Bir Ab Araga. Quantities are tabulated in grains per gallon. The ‘total solid matter‘ was found by direct