JIDDA. 
317 
sweets and meat to the number of fifteen or sixteen dishes. Only 
one dish was put on the table at a time, which was so rapidly 
removed that we were not half an hour at table. We finished with 
pomegranates, bananas, and sherbet with raisins in it ; after which 
each person turned round and washed his hands over a bason, 
into which water was poured by a slave who held a white napkin. 
The dishes were so excellent that I never made a better dinner. We 
had coffee and rose water when we took our leave. I learned from 
him that the Arab's first meal is soon after day break, and consists 
of milk, rice, fruit, sweatmeats, bread, and coffee. We partook 
of the second ; and the third, consisting also of meat and pastry, 
is after sun set. 
The people in general were in new and handsome clothes in the 
bazar and streets. The coffee houses were now opened and filled : 
all shops, except those that sold eatables, were shut ; in short, 
every thing wore an air of festivity in despite of the Wahabee. 
December ^5. — As soon as we had breakfasted we went on shore 
to pay our compliments to the Vizier. We waited some little 
time at the door. The Emir Bahar came up, and after salaams, 
went in. He soon returned, and conducted us to a large open court, 
at one end of which was an apartment carpeted and elevated, like 
Jelani's: on each side were long benches covered with crimson 
satin and rich kincaub cushions. Close to the elevated apartment 
on the right entrance was the seat of honour,large enough to hold 
two. It had a covering of wood, and was ornamented with beauti- 
ful silk carpeting and cushions. I was seated here, and soon after- 
wards, the Vizier entered, followed only by his slaves, one of 
whom bore his train. The Emir Bahar stood the whole time, as 
