THEIR MODE OF LIVING. 205 dren they have, the greater the blessing. They turn their hands in early youth to some useful purpose : so soon as they can walk they attend the camels, or are put to some domestic occupation ; thus forming a useful link in the chain of their patriarchal society. The independence of these Arabs is depicted in their physiognomy; they are oppressed by no cankering <;are, no anxiety, no anticipation of distress. The food and clothing of the Arab is always at hand ; fuel is not required in this warm country ; and a glass of cool water is all that is desired to allay the thirst. This simple and abstemious mode of living is congenial to the human constitution ; accordingly they enjoy uninterrupted health : sickness is so uncommon with them that to be old and to be sick are synonymous terms. They think one cannot happen without the other. Some of the women of these people, whilst young, are extremely delicate, handsome, and have elegant figures. They account it gross to swallow food, that would, they say, fatten them like their Moorish neighbours ; they therefore masticate it only. Their physiognomy is very interesting and animated j their features are regular ; large black expressive eyes ; a ready wit, poetic fancy, expressing themselves in poetic effusions, in which, from constant habit, some of them have become such adepts, that they with facility speak extempore poetry ; those who are unable to converse