196 
M^^- LUCAS'S 
From that place, which is fubjeft to Tripoh, and is famed for 
the abundance and excellent flavour of its dates, they proceed 
in one day to the little village of Gui Xarrah ; another brings 
them to the long afcent of the broad mountain of Gerdobah, 
from whofe inflexible barrennefs the Traveller, in the courfe of 
a five days paflage, can only colleft a fcanty fupply of unpala- 
table water. Defcending from thefe mournful highlands, he 
enters the narrow plain of Gegabib, fandy and uninhabited, yet 
fertile in dates, which the people of Duna (a town dependant 
on Tripoli, and fituated on the Coaft at the diftance of eight 
days journey from Gegabib) annually gather. 
From this fcene of gladfome contrail to the inveterate rocks 
of Gerdobah, a three days march conduces the caravan to ano- 
ther defolate mountain of the name of Bufelema, that furnilhes 
only water ; and in three days more they enter the dominions 
of the independent Republic of See-wah. 
Governed by a Council of fix or eight Elders, whofe lafting 
diffentions divide the opinions and diftraO: the allegiance of the 
people, this unfortunate State is conftantly involved in the mi- 
feries of intefiine war. Its chief produce is the date tree; for the 
lands, though not delfitute of water, furnifli but little corn. 
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