EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 33 
furance at Kahira, for goods coming by Rafhid. One half per 
cent, would be a fufficient rate ; but it would be neceflary that 
a perfon fhould infpec^: the jerms, or boats, at Rafhid, as the 
boatmen are fuch knaves that they will overfet the velFel, on 
purpofe afterwards to get at the goods under water. 
It may not be improper here to obferve, that though, during 
the rife of the Nile, the water runs through feveral fmall canals, 
yet the real mouths, prefenting a conftant ftream, are but two, 
thofe of Rafhid and Damiatt. 
Rafhid is governed by an inferior officer, appointed by the 
Beys. All this diftridt is under the jurifdidion of Murad 
Bey. Property is fecure from all plunderers, except the Beys. 
At Rafhid are many learned men ; that is, fkilled in Moham- 
medan theology and cafuiftry. Thefe Shechs pafs their lives in 
great tranquillity, preferving an apathy completely floical. 
Their chief amufement is to fit in their gardens, on the banks 
of the river, fmoking and converfmg. 
After flaying five days to fee the place. May 6th, I embarked 
with a view of proceeding to Terane. It was my intention to 
have gone by land, but the perfons to whom I had recourfe for 
information could not perfuade themfelves that there was any 
fecurity in that route at the moment. 
The production called Natron, efforts to introduce which into 
general ufe in Europe have more than once been made, was at 
F that 
