MECCA. 223 



he takes her in matrimony ; if not,, she remains in 

 his house for life ; and in some instances the num- 

 ber of concubines, old and young, is increased to 

 several dozens. The middling and lower classes make 

 a lucrative traffic in young Abyssinians, whom they 

 bring up on speculation, and sell to strangers. 



The Mecca wees are very expensive in their houses ; 

 the rooms being embellished with fine carpets, and 

 abundance of cushions and sofas covered with bro- 

 cade. Their furniture is costly, their tables well 

 supplied, and in receiving visits, which are fre- 

 quent, every mistress makes it her endeavour to sur- 

 pass her acquaintances in show and magnificence. 

 The great merchants, most of whom have country- 

 residences at Jidda or Taif, live very splendidly, 

 maintaining an establishment of fifty or sixty per- 

 sons. Every native delicacy is to be found at their 

 tables; the china and glass ware in which the viands 

 are served up are of the best quality; rose-water 

 is sprinkled on the beards of the guests after dinner ; 

 and the room is filled with the odours of aloes-wood. 

 The usual custom is two meals daily, one before 

 mid-day, the other after sunset. Their mutton is of 

 inferior quality ; they hardly know the existence of 

 fish ; and their pot-herbs are brought from Ta'if and 

 other neighbouring places. 



In personal appearance the Meccawees are thin 

 rather than robust; their features are expressive, par- 

 ticularly in the vivacity and brilliancy of the eyes ; 

 their colour is a yellowish sickly brown, lighter or 

 darker according to the origin of the mother, who in 

 many cases is an Abyssinian slave. The lower classes 

 are stout and muscular ; but the numerous retainers 

 of the Temple appear to be the most meagre and ema- 



