MEDINA. 257 



pointed out in the red granite rock, where several 

 passages of the Koran were revealed by the angel 

 Gabriel. But the tales applied to these places are 

 not supported by any authentic traditions ; and a 

 journey to them is enjoined, less out of any feeling 

 of reverence than from a desire to extort money. 



A more attractive object of devotion is the tomb 

 of Mohammed at Medina ; and such of the hajjis 

 as do not immediately disperse to their homes, usu- 

 ally join the Syrian caravan, or form themselves 

 into small detachments, who are supplied with ca- 

 mels by the Bedouins. Their mode of travelling is 

 not the most convenient j some being mounted on 

 the back of the loaded animal, and others sitting, 

 one on each side, in panniers or machines (shekdafs), 

 which must be balanced with great care. According 

 to the usual practice in Hejaz, the camels walk in a 

 single row, those behind being tied to the tails of 

 those that precede them; so that a mistake committed 

 by the foremost leads the whole astray. A journey 

 of ten or eleven days (about 270 miles), through 

 sandy plains, irregular ridges of mountains, and cul- 

 tivated valleys, brings the pilgrims to the city of the 

 Prophet. On the whole of this route there is not a 

 public khan ; nor is any provision made for the ac-i 

 commodation of travellers, except the watering- 

 places, which are kept in tolerable repair. Although 

 reckoned sufficiently safe for large bodies, yet daring 

 robberies are occasionally committed by the Arabs. 



The sacred city of Medina lies on the edge of the 

 Great Arabian Desert. According to the strict precept 

 of Mohammed, a circle of twelve miles round the place 

 should be considered as holy territory ; but this in- 

 junction is completely set aside. The town itself is 

 well built : the houses are generally two stories high> 



