FILTHINESS OF THE WOMEN. 153 
sisted upon my acceptance of the delectable morsel, which 
she assured me was excellent ; but such was my disgust 
that I even refused the cheni which she offered. I was 
anxious to withdraw, but could not effect my escape till I 
had written the amulet required ; this done, 1 fled with all 
expedition, invoking for the maiden a man courageous 
enough to take her to wife. 
1 have never, in any country, seen women so dirty as 
those of el-Harib. This total want of cleanliness is no 
doubt the cause of the chronic ophthalmia, and other dis- 
orders, with which they and their equally filthy offspring are 
afflicted. My medical reputation drew upon me most un- 
pleasant avocations : the mothers brought to me in crowds 
children in so disgusting a state that I could not look at them 
without horror 5 in vain did I avert my eyes, they only be- 
came more importunate, compelling me to examine the 
miserable beings for whom they solicited my aid. I could 
do no better for them than recommend cleanliness; but 
this simple remedy they despised, and would not be con- 
tent with any thing short of the marvellous. 
On the evening of the 6th, a troop of Berbers arrived 
in our camp demanding hospitality. Aly ordered for their 
supper a couscous of wheat flour, to which were added some 
pieces of meat dried in the sun. The food for me and the 
slaves was separately dressed ; but Aly's sister, who, 
since I had given her amulets for her nieces, had become 
much more attentive to me, gave me some of their meat 
concealed under the bad couscous of barley intended 
for me. 
On the 8th of July, another troop of Berbers carried off 
several camels which were grazing at a distance. The whole 
camp took the alarm, and arming themselves with guns the 
men set off in haste, some on foot and others on horseback ; 
but the thieves were already distant, and their pursuers 
returned without having overtaken them. The evening was 
