GOVERNMENT. 87 The revenue is collected partly in money, partly in kind, i. e., in products, or slaves; there is no systematic arrangement in the mode in which the contribution is levied ; the governor fixes the rate, and it is the duty of the casheffs, and Sheikhs-el Belled, to collect it. Whosoever is suspected of possessing any treasure is forced to give it up, or his cattle, or other property, is taken away from him by force. In the year 1838, the country was obliged to contribute, in addition to the imposts in money, beside cattle, butter, and slaves, 4,000 ardeb* (about 118,000 sacks) of doura,f or millet; and the Bakkara nomadic tribes, 12,000 oxen, and kine.

Cattle is only received from the villagers when they cannot produce cash ; a large ox is then taken by the government to the value of 35 piaster, (3 fl., 30 kr., C.JVI. ; about 9 shillings sterling). During several years, 8,000 heads of horned cattle were annually sent to Cairo, the greater part of which perished on the road. The government have now had their eves opened to the absurdity of driving beasts so great a distance, and the transport of cattle to Cairo has consequently ceased; they are now only driven to Khartoom. The cash received as revenue proceeds from taxes, duties, the sale of slaves, and other produce of the countr}'. It is impossible to describe The ardeb is equivalent to very nearly five English bushels.

Lane. Modern Eyi/ptians, Library of Entertahiiny Knowledge.— Tr.

f Holcus arundifiaceus, or Swghum vulyare, of Linnceus, and Holcus Dowa, of Forskael. Tk.