Chap. LVI. 
DU'CHL 
123 
indicate the peculiar nature of the place, which has a 
very wild and romantic appearance— a labyrinth of 
N 
s 
rocky eminences intersected by a small ravine, as 
shown in the woodcut : the dwellings, which are 
scattered about in several groups, can scarcely be 
seen, owing to the prevalence of rocks. Several 
groups of diim palms contribute greatly to enhance 
the picturesque character of the place. 
Having got inside the wall, which consisted of loose 
stones, we had some difficulty in finding a fit spot for 
encamping, and at length, having traversed the whole 
place, pitched our tent, not far from the western 
gate, but still inside the wall, in the shade of a fine 
tsamia or tamarind tree, and close to a small group 
of huts. The principal hamlet lies nearer the 
east side. The little watercourse contained only a 
very small supply of water under the gravelly surface 
of the bed; but on my return from the west, in 
the autumn of the following year, a foaming brook 
was rushing along it. The interesting character of 
the scenery induced me, in the course of the night, 
