162 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CHAP. IV. 
Bashaw of Tripoli, and has ever since remained tributary. The 
natives are constantly trading to Tembuctoo, and there are few of 
them who do not speak the language of that country, and of the 
Tuarick also. It is a singular fact, that two tribes live in Ghadams 
without having any communication with each other. From a person 
who had often traded there I obtained the following account, and 
he drew on the sand the small plan here shown. 
s 
A large circular wall is divided in the middle by another broad 
one, which separates the two towns. It has a gate through the 
centre, which is shut during any disturbance. The inhabitants of 
both towns were always at war with each other, and have even 
now occasionally very dangerous quarrels. Outside the towns are 
the wardens and date groves. The streets are all covered in, and are 
so dark in consequence, that at sunset a person is unable to find 
his way without a lamp. The houses are good, formed of mud, and 
of one story. The natives are Arabs. Those who reside in the 
two towns seldom see, and are as perfect strangers to each other, 
