OMCHAXGA. 287 We paid a visit to the large market, wliich is held here twice a week, and it was a sight well worth seeing. There were lines of neat wooden booths, in which a vast assortment of goods were exposed for sale. In one part were calicoes, in another pins, needles, tapes, threads, and such like articles ; in another, daggers, guns, and pistols. In one place gunsmiths plied their calling ; at another, wood, merissa, and dates were sold. There was a portion set apart for each, and no dealer was allowed in any other part of the market than that reserved for his class of wares ; and as all the sellers of a particular article were gathered near one spot, the best and cheapest goods could soon be discovered.

It was a great hubbub ; crowds of people were buying and selling and talking ; several soldiers promenaded to keej) order, and settle small disputes, which were constantly arising. A great deal of merissa was consumed, but the peoj)le were all sober ; I did not see one person drunk. Fakirs did a good trade in writing charms, and also as scribes, and it was amusing to watch a man sitting down and dictating a letter whilst a crowd of people stood or sat around listening. One or two buffoons exhibited comic pantomime for the delectation of the peoj)le, and a couple of musicians discoursed sweet music, and appeared to please, as they received a goodly quantity of small change. Beggars were there of course in swarms, and the cry of " backsheesh " was