CHAPTER XXIV.

Ruins in Southern Mesopotamia.--Departure from Hillah.-- Sand-Hills.--Villages in the Jezireh.--Sheikh Karboul.-- Ruins.--First View of Niffer.--The Marshes.--Arab Boats.-- Arrive at Souk-el-Afaij.--Sheikh Agab.--Town of the Afaij.-- Description of the Ruins of Niffer.--Excavations in the Mounds.--Discovery of Coffins--of various Relics.--Mr. Loftus' Discoveries at Wurka.--The Arab Tribes.--Wild Beasts.--Lions.-- Customs of the Afaij.--Leave the Marshes.--Return to Baghdad.-- A Mirage 437