plied with. Thus it is : the Bashaw demands a certain sum of money, and sends a Kaid to collect it. This man doubles the requisition, in order to enrich himself; and it not unfrequently happens that he goes away, and leaves a Chowse to act for him, who in his turn drains them still more and more ; and thus their Victims are reduced to utter ruin. There were in the castle slaves, camels, sheep, goats,, and grain in quantities, which had all been lately extorted from these unhappy people. Eight poor prisoners were confined under-ground, and had not been fed during the time we were there ; and finally, the Chowse had an order to cut their throats, which we understood was executed the day after we left the castle. A market is held here weekly, to which the necessaries of life are brought with fear and trembling, lest any one should appear too rich. Thursday, 18th February This being market day, a few sheep and goats were brought on the plain before the gate. There were also dates, corn, and gunpowder, but in small quantities. We bought a sheep and some dates. It rained thè whole of this day; but at night it cleared up. The Sheikh came to see us, and brought us a bowl of Bazeen, in return for which we gave him some powder. The Population amounts to about 2000, as near as I could judge ; but the habitations are so scattered along the sides of the Wadey, that no very just estimate can be given. Mr. Kitchie was requested to obtain the pardon of the prisoners in the castle, who had been guilty of resisting an attempt to drive off their flocks for the service , of the Bashaw, and he promised to intercede for them ; but we were overtaken, when on our return to Tripoli, by a man, who informed us that they had all been killed. Mr. Ritchie, by two observations, made the latitude of Benio- leed, 31°. 45/ north. Friday, 19th February Having somewhat refreshed ourselves and cattle, we left this place at eight A. M .; and, ascending the side of the Wadey, proceeded during the whole day over a rocky flat, perfectly barren, until six P. M., when we stopped, having made, north 20° west, thirty miles. We saw this day two large vultures, but scarcely within shot of us. Saturday, 20th February— Our road this day improved, and we went through several fertile Wadey s, and over plains of fine grass. We passed also several herds of female camels, with their young, and many flocks of sheep. A t three, our road began to rise, and we saw many tents of the Arabs of Terhoona ¿jyy, who were attending their flocks: some of them weTe changing their quarters, and we were much amused by different parties, who were travelling on the same road as ourselves. Women and children were riding the camels, which were also laden with their tents and furniture. A t seven, we came amongst the mountains, and arrived at the wells of Melghra l^iU, which have excellent water. There are several little streams from the sides of the hills, which run through the valley; and there is much game here, principally partridges and snipes. Sunday, 21st February— A t eight A. M., we left the wells, and passed through winding defiles at the foot of the mountains until noon, when we cleared them, and opened on a sandy plain, covered in some places with verdure, and having great quantities of the Hbanflal or Colycynth. On passing some Arab tents, the children brought us small roots, of the shape of young potatoes; but resembling mushrooms in taste, smell, and tenderness. They grow in the sand# and the Arabs call them Terfaas (_Ay. We here drank some camel’s milk for the first time. It is much less rich than that of a cow, and saltish to the taste. We also procured a skin full of sour butter-milk, which is much esteemed by the Arabs, who call it Libban ^Ul. It is never drank in a
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