Historical Geography. 1900. In the cool evening the men of the vicinity who have borne the day's burden and heat find pleasure in relaxation by the gliding river, whose changeless flow forms a soothing accompaniment to the murmur of easy conversation. On the veranda, with its rude seats and thick-thatched roof, the coffee, a delicacy of which the Arab never tires, and the fragrant fumes of tobacco have an added delicacy of flavour.