116 
LAHADJ. 
our meals, (of which we had brought a small stock from Aden) 
he would leave us for a short time to the enjoyment of it, an 
iiisfance of politeness very rare in a mussulman. 
Of the town of Lahadj, which I had an opportunity of examin- 
ing in the evening and in the course 6f the ensuing day, I have 
but few observations to make. The houses are, in general, formed 
of mud, and even the Sultaun's palace, which towers above the 
rest, is constructed of the same material, in the rude form of an 
ancient castle. The inhabitants manufacture a species of fine 
coloured striped cloths, peculiar to the country, which forms the 
common dress of Arabs of rank. Much misery and wretchedness 
appear to prevail among the lower classes of the townspeople, 
affording a striking contrast to the happy appearance of the 
Bedowee in the neighbourhood, who, though poorer in reality, 
feel a pride in their native independence, which renders them 
better satisfied with a more scanty sustenance. 
To the north of the town flourishes an extensive grove of date, 
mango, sycamor^, and pomegranate trees, among which I ob- 
served several very lofty and fine trees, called by the Arabs 
b6dan; the leaves of these trees grow in clusters, and in shape 
are somewhat similar to those of the laurel; the fruit, in form 
and size resembling an almond, and being not unpleasant, though 
very astringent to the taste. The quantity of water required for 
cultivation in this place is astonishing ; the soil round the trees is 
obliged to be kept constantly moist, which, during the dry sea- 
son, is entirely supplied by the assistance of art. This season, for- 
tunately, does not last more than two months ; during the remain- 
ing ten, occasional showers intervene, and in December, the rains 
