364 TRAVELS IN AFRICA, 
We may fafely eftimate the prefent population of Jerufaletn 
at from eighteen to twenty thoufand. It is governed by an 
Aga, appointed by the Padia of Damafcus j but he is allowed 
fo few troops, that all Paleftine may be regarded as in the power 
of the Arabs. The Chriftian women, who abound in Jerufalem, 
wear white veils, as a diftin£tion from the Mohammedan, who 
wear other colours. Arabic is the general language, except 
among the Armenians and Greeks. 
I left Jerufalem in the commencement of Ramadan, 2d of 
March 1797. After an uncommonly fevere winter, the fpring 
was now begun. Having rode about three hours, we arrived 
at Beruth, where we paffed the night ; and the following day, 
about three in the afternoon, reached Naplofa or Nahlus. This 
capital of the diftrid called Samaria is populous. The fite is 
remarkable and pidurefque, being between two hills, upon one 
of which is the caftle. 
The adjacent country in general is fertile in vines and mul- 
berry trees, though rather mountainous. Naplofa has feveral 
mofques, and carries on a confiderable traffic with Damafcus 
and the coaft : there is alfo a cotton manufacture. Jews abound 
of the Samaritan herefy ; but the inhabitants are very hoftile to 
Chriftians, who have no eftablifhments here. The town is in 
faCt governed by the chief inhabitants, though a nominal deputy 
be appointed by the Pafha of Damafcus. 
On my journey from Naplofa to Nazareth, during the firft 
part of the route, which was rocky and mountainous, I obferved 
only 
