SAHARA’S SECRET UNVEILED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2125, 6 July 1907, Page 1

SAHARA’S SECRET UNVEILED.

UNDERGROUND VILLAGES IN THE DESERT. Interesting detnils are sent by Rentier’s correspondent at Baruta, in Nigorie, of tho remarkable trans-Saliar-an journey undertaken by Mr. 11. Viseher; one of tho Protectorate Residents of Bornu, from Tripoli to Lake Chad.

In tho mountains of Gharian Mr. Viseher. found people living in subterranean dwellings. Through entrances ten yards long and one yard broad he came upon n square courtyard, which in reality was a square hole open to the sky. Upon this all tho rooms and stables converged. Tho rooms wore very dark and there were no windows, but .tho most absolute cleanliness prevailed. Round the courtyard was a wall protecting tho dwelling underneath. Beyond Glnir--ian tho expedition proceeded over rising ground to the hills, where fig and olives groves lay among Roman ruins and underground villages. Nearing Alurzuk, Mr. AG'sclier came 'upon stretches of, petrified forest. Describing part of his journey across the waterless desert Mr. Viseher said: “Wo had a five days’ march across the desert without . water. At the commencement of tho desert all caravans waited for one another, until our .p,(unbilled party numbered over 500 "camels. No caravan dares go through the dosert alone. Everywhere the desert is covered with white polished stones which are themselves gradually becoming sand. Everywhere is an endless horizon. Often apparently wo sec lakes and palm groves, but on all sides are nothing hut stones, stones, until the sun disappears and sky becomes filled with colors which would have given joy to a Titan or a Turner. All our marching is done at night.”