394 
TRAVELS IN 
AFRICA, 
CHAP. XXV. 
JOURNEY TO DAMASCUS. 
Entrance of the Hadjis — Topography of Damafcus — Trade and 
manufadiures — Population — Ohfervations on the depopulation 
of the Eajl — Government and manners of Damafcus — Charitable 
foundations — Anecdotes of recent hi/lory — Taxes — Price of pro~ 
vifions — Sacred caravan, 
A FTER waiting fome time in Aleppo for the departure of the 
caravan, I at length left that city on the 23d of July for Da- 
mafcus. The heat was great, but nothing equal to that of Africa. 
The beafts of burden, employed in this caravan, were only 
mules and geldings. 
The route from Aleppo to Damafcus has been often defcribed. 
On Wednefday the 8th of Auguft entered Damafcus at day- 
break. The approach is remarkable, being ornamented for many 
miles with numerous gardens, and then by a paved way, ex- 
tending for a great length. 
On the day after my arrival, was entertained with the en- 
trance of the grand caravan from Mecca. The ftreet was lined 
for fome miles, for fuch is its length, with innumerable fpedta- 
tors, all impreffed with curiofity, fome with anxiety to fee their 
friends 
