DESCRIPTION OF FEZ. 
205 
CHAPTER XXVII. 
Description of el-Fez. — Markets, monuments, gardens, police. — Mequi- 
naz. — Inhospitality. — Arm of the sea called Sbo. — Arbata or Rabat, 
the ancient Sallee. — ^Visit to the Consular Agent. — The traveller avoids 
the camp of the Emperor of Morocco. — Writes to the Vice Consul M. 
Delaporte. — Larache. — Arrives at Tangier 7th of September, almost 
dying, emaciated by vvrant, fatigue, and fever. — Generous reception of 
M. Delaporte. — Anxiety of the traveller. — Is introduced by night and 
concealed by the Consul. — M. Delaporte obtains from the naval com- 
mander of the Cadiz station a vessel to convey him to France. 
El-Fez, so called by its inhabitants, but designated on the 
maps by the name of Fez, is a large city belonging to the 
empire of Morocco, of which it was formerly the capital. 
It is situated in a species of natural tunnel formed by lofty 
well-wooded mountains, whence spring several considerable 
rivulets, which, after fertilizing the valley, supply the city 
with excellent water. Every mosque contains jets d'eau, 
and in several streets there are fountains for the refreshment 
of the thirsty passenger : here are also several water-mills 
for grinding corn. The city extends from east to west and 
must be about four miles in circumference, as far as I 
could judge from a survey of it from the top of a hill. It is 
surrounded by a double brick wall, about twelve or thirteen 
feet high, well constructed and ornamented at intervals with 
raised copings. I w^as astonished by the regular architec- 
ture of a spacious gateway, in the form of a triumphal arch, 
through which the city is entered. Under this arch were 
established a number of venders of provisions. 
Within the compass of the outer wall are some gardens, 
and small low houses, called the suburbs ; here I observed 
