CHAP. I. 
JOURNEY IN THE MOUNTAINS. 
SI 
them. We observed many of the trees ornamented with the skvills 
of horses, camels, or sheep, to protect the tree and its fruit from 
being blasted by the " Evil Eye." At two we came to the castle, an 
immense ill-constructed building of rough stones, having a turret 
at each corner, an open court, and stalls for horses, embrasures for 
cannon (closed up with mud), and here and there a loophole for 
musketry. There are five or six six-pounders upset, and honey- 
combed, to make a show; but I conceive the Bashaw would find 
no one daring enough to fire them. The key of the castle (which 
is never used but by the Kaid when he comes to collect tribute for 
the Eey, to whom Gharian belongs), is kept by a neighbouring 
Sheikh. Our Chowse was here of great importance, for being in 
the service of the Bey, all the Arabs came to kiss his hands, and 
bring him presents, and he consequently assumed a very dignified 
and solemn demeanour. At night one of our camel boys, who had 
the office of porter assigned to him, brought the key of the gate 
to the Chowse, and reported all right. We were informed very 
seriously, that the room in which we slept was haunted by a Ghole, 
and several devils, in consequence of some prisoners having had 
their throats cut there a short time before. 
Friday, February 12th. — Our porter had been so very careful 
over night, that we were half an hour unlocking, unbarring, and 
unbolting, before we could get out. Mr. Ritchie and myself then 
sallied forth, he to botanize, and I with my gun in search of animals 
called Gundy ^jxii. After lying down flat in the rain for three or 
four hours, I was fortunate enough to shoot three, which I pre- 
pared, in order that they might be sent to the British Museum, 
and I believe they will be the first of the species known in Europe. 
These animals resemble very much a Guinea pig in form, but are 
of a light-brown mouse colour. The fur is longer than that of a 
rat, and is very silky ; the eyes are black, large, and prominent ; 
