52 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CIIAP. I. 
quence covered with scars ; it is also occasionally used to show the 
force of love ; and both sexes practise it when they wish to give 
proof of very strong affection. 
Wolves, young dogs, cats, and hedgehogs, though forbidden 
animals, are not unfrequently eaten by sick persons, from a belief 
that their flesh is medicinal, or, as they express it, " Doua." 
Charms are much worn, and are procured from such as are con- 
sidered Maraboots amongst themselves, or from the Scribes of 
Tripoli. It is not enough that the man should be defended by 
these little prayers sewed up in leather, and attached to his arms 
or body ; but his horse, gun, sword, and red cap must be equally 
protected with himself The " Evil Eye" is of all other mischiefs 
most dreaded, and for a stranger to express particular admiration 
of a child, a horse, or any other valuable, is to bring on it or its 
possessor certain misfortune ; this may, however, be averted by 
passing over the object a finger wetted with sahva, or by the 
equally efficacious charm of an open hand, either attached to the 
clothes as an ornament, or tattooed on the skin. It is remarkable 
that no Arab will take a knife or scissars from the hands of any 
one, as (from some superstitious prejudice) such an action is con- 
sidered highly unfortunate ; but they require that the instrument 
should be first laid on the ground, whence they readily take it up 
without fear. 
The Arabs have but few amusements beyond Dancing and a 
Game called Helga, which resembles draughts, and is played with 
camels' dung or date stones, in holes made in the sand. The noise 
uttered by these people at their festivals, or on any joyful occasion, 
is most extraordinary ; and being very shrill, it may be heard 
at a great distance, particularly if several persons join in chorus : 
it is a piercing cry from the throat (the mouth being quite open), 
