34 MEMOIR OF BRUCE. 



correcting his sketches. During these journeys, 

 his health was good, notwithstanding the heat of 

 the climate ; the only annoyance to which he was 

 exposed was an attack of a tribe of plundering 

 Arabs. From Tunis he set out for Tripoli, travelling 

 along the coast ; the only incidents of importance 

 that occurred on the route were his falling in with 

 the Haj or pilgrim caravan on its way to Mecca in 

 Arabia, and his being assailed by a party of Arab 

 horsemen, who were repulsed with considerable 

 difficulty. 



At Tripoli he was hospitably received by the 

 British consul, a countryman of his own, the Ho- 

 nourable Mr. Fraser of Lovat ; but in consequence 

 of some misunderstanding between the Pasha and 

 Mr. Fraser, our traveller found it absolutely neces- 

 sary for him to return to Tunis, until the differences 

 with the Barbary States were adjusted. In August 

 1766, he again set out from Tunis, crossing the 

 desart by Sfax and Gerba, and arrived in safety at 

 Tripoli. He then despatched an English servant 

 to Smyrna with his books, drawings, and super- 

 numerary instruments, to await his arrival. 



Crossing the gulf of Sydra (the Syrtis Major), 

 Bruce visited Bengazi, but he found the whole 

 district in a state of lawless disorder, owing to the 

 mismanagement of the governor, who was brother 

 to the Bey of Tripoli. Quitting this dreadful scene, 

 and travelling over the greater part of the Penta- 

 polis, he visited the ruins of Orsinoe ; but discovering 

 nothing of interest there, nor at Barca, he proceeded 



