FRAGMENTS. 77 addicted to their own interest, their conforma-, tion to the respective customs of the various nations through which they are dispersed ; have caused them, in a great measure, to forget thenancient customs and original language, except what is preserved in the Bible and in the exercise of their religion . Whereas the Arabs have continued in the constant possession of their country many centuries, and are so tenacious of their customs and habits, that they are, at this day, the same men they were three thousand years ago. Accordingly, many of their customs, at this day, remind us of what happened among their ancestors in the days of Abraham.

Trade with Sudan.

1795 June 14th. Two {Akkabas) accumulated caravans of Gum Sudan, called in Eng-Ind " Turkey Gum Arabic," have reached the Arab encampment of Dikna, not far from the northern confines of the Sahara ; and will be at Santa Cruz, in the province of Suse, in a fortnight.

Wrecked Ships, A large ship, supposed to be Spanish, bound to Lima, has been wrecked near Cape Noon ; * This gum is conveyed from Sud to Alexandria, in Egypt; there it is shipped off for Smyrna, or Constantinople, and from thence imported into England.

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