AND ANECDOTES. 341 phet confirmed these propensities ; and hospitality has been ever since, the predominant virtue of the Arab. Accordingly, Muhamedans are entitled, through their various journeys, to be entertained three days wherever they sojourn. A traveller, therefore, when he chooses to rest from the fatigue of his journey, goes to one of these douars and exclaims (Deef Allah) " the guests of God.'* The sheik then comes forth from his tent to receive him or them : {Kheyma Deaf) the travellers' or guests' tent is appropriated to the stranger ; food is brought to him, agreeably to his rank in life, but always simple, good, and wholesome. Here he may remain, if he chooses, for three days, without being considered an intruder, and free of all expense whatsoever. If he wishes to exceed the three days allowed by the Muhamedan law, he must prove his poverty ; which being done, he may be entertained for a further period of time : but this latter is quite optional ; no man is compelled to entertain and provide food for strangers and travellers, without remuneration, above three days.

This hospitality extends not generally to all mankind, but to Muhamedans only. A Christian or a Jew would be expected to pay a trifle for his entertainment ; although, in travelling through the province of Suse, the Arabs have absolutely refused to take any remuneration from me ; but that is not generally the case, nor ought such conduct to be expected : in the xut z 3