horneman's travels. 
and the whole forms a labyrinth, through which 
no stranger can penetrate without a guide. It 
was compared to a bee-hive; and the general 
aspect, the crowded population, and the confused 
hum which issued from its precincts, all tended 
to justify the comparison. 
Siwah is situated in a well watered valley of 
about fifty miles in circuit, hemmed in on every 
side by barren rocks. Browne gives a much 
smaller extent, but probably referred only to the 
immediate neighbourhood of the town. The soil 
is a sandy loam, producing corn, oil, and vege- 
tables ; but dates form the chief product and 
wealth of the district. Baskets of dates are the 
standard by which all commodities are valued. 
Almost every Siwahan possesses a date garden, 
well enclosed, and carefully watered. Mr Horne- 
man was unable to form any precise estimate of 
the population. The government was originally 
vested in twelve shieks, on whom the executive go- 
vernment devolved in rotation ; but twenty other 
wealthy citizens having forced their way into 
power, it has become a very turbulent aristocracy. 
Matters of importance are debated in the council 
of the chiefs, which is held close to the town 
wall ; and when they are unable to come to an 
amicable decision, recourse is speedily had to 
arms. Our traveller gives no favourable report 
of the inhabitants. They were forward and in* 
