BLACKS — ArPEAKANCE AND OPINIOXS. 131 if only a hair shows itself here and tliere, this is carefully spared, and the barber (mussein) must daily be in requisition to tend it. No greater joy can happen them than when they can get possession of a mirror ; for hours will they hold this in their hands, gazing into it, and never seeming to tire of admiring and examining in all directions their dark visages. It is solely for the sake of the glass that the blacks let tlie barbers come near their heads, as it is only on the eye-browa and hair of the ears he has to work.

However, one of these blacks, in his white garment, that he well knows how to drape over himself in artistical folds, and white turban surmounting all, has really an interesting and handsome appearance. His gait is slow and proud, and on his hand is displayed a broad, massive signet ring, on the smooth surface of which are engraved .some Arabian characters spelling his name ; behind him are his attendants, the most favoured of whom bears his sword with silver hilt. Almost all are tall and slender, dignified and stately in their movements. Their robes are always, if possibL% clean and spotless ; they especially favour white, as they hold it to be the colour of purity and friendly feelings. They often have examined our skin, and cannot comprehend why it is so white, nor how it is possible that the blood should be perceptible in the veins. They were particularly curious as to the colour of our women * ; and when we assured them they were far fairer, expressed their opinion that it must be a great pleasure to have such a wife ; and for the same reason did one of them extol the charms of a" certain female slave, as being white as snow (sale el telki). However, it is perfectly incomprehensible to most of them that all our nation should be white ; that Arabian is not spoken in our country ; that men there know nothing of the supreme and powerful Turkish rule, and that our customs and habits should be what they are. Over and over again are we asked, if all the men of our country are hakims (plural, hakama, doctors), probably as most of the Franks who visit these lands are, or wish to pass for such. Never will they believe that a Frank travels merely to see foreign countries, to collect objects of interest or other curiosities ; but often are we asked, " Are * Mara, woman ; bint, bannabt, a girl ; garic, gaddira, female slave.