42 . TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. CHAP. I. 
any respect better than slaves. One or two tribes are yet in- 
dependent, but are likely soon to fall. Each tribe, or even set of 
tents, is governed by a Sheikh, who, being an old man, or one 
appointed by the Bashaw, is looked up to as a superior ; though his 
business is chiefly to collect the requisite sums of money from his 
people. Some years back, these Sheikhs commanded their tribes 
in the wars of plunder, or in defence of their Hberties, and were 
then chosen by the voice of the people, for their courage and 
mihtary skill ; but all offensive or defensive wars being now at an 
end, in consequence of their repeated and bloody overthrows by 
the Eashaw, the name of Sheikh has no honour attached to it. In 
some cases, indeed, individuals refuse to undertake the office, lest 
the Eashaw should make them responsible for any faults committed 
by their followers. 
In their ReHgion, the Arabs are great bigots, very superstitious, 
and easily alarmed about the enchantments and wiles of Iblis (or 
the devil), to whom they attribute many of their misfortunes and 
illnesses. To the prayers enjoined by the Koran they are very 
attentive, and, unless in travelling, never omit repeating them at 
the appointed periods. Of the name and attributes of God they 
never speak without reverence ; and they have a profound respect 
for Idiots, whom they consider as people beloved of Heaven, and 
totally unable to think of the things of this world. 
Marriages are contracted in most instances without either 
party having seen the other, the agreement being entirely on the 
part of the parents of the bride, and the bridegroom, the consent of 
the females never being asked. There are certain marriage presents 
which are always given by the husband to the relations of his wife, 
so that he may be said to purchase her of them. Though four 
wives are allowed to all Mohammedans, the Arabs very rarely 
possess so many, few having more than two, and some only one. 
