206 TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. CHAP. V. 
, , -r. 1 , o f Hadffe Haieel 7 miles. 
^^ e had traveUed E. and by S. 5 ^ ^ . , ^ m 
CiromZaizow 16 miles. 
23 miles. 
Dec. 1 6tli. Therm. 9". Fine clear morning. I paid a visit to the 
Maraboot, who was sitting on an earthen mound, hah" naked, and in 
a very dignified manner, enjoying the heat of the sun. His de- 
pendants were seated round on the sand, listening with mute 
attention to the sagacity of his remarks. He was very fat, greasy, 
and consequential, and told me that all his family had been Mara- 
boots, and equally eminent for learning with himself. On leaving 
him, fuU of admiration at his modesty, I went out to the gar- 
dens to see the springs, of which I had heard so much. . As I was a 
stranger, and these springs were the pride of Fezzan, several people 
left their work to follow me, and to witness my surprise and admira- 
tion at the first sight of them. There are four ponds, each SO or 
40 feet in diameter, covered with a green crust, and containing 
innumerable frogs. Insignificant, however, as they were, I dis- 
mounted and drank heartily from them, although the water, even 
here, was not perfectly fresh. The gardens which are supphed from 
them are altogether as white with salt as those watered from the 
wells. A number of strange birds, resembling thrushes, but with 
longer tails, fluttered about us ; but having no gun with me, I was 
unable to kill one. The date trees here are very thickly planted, 
and form a most agreeable shade. 
I got a meridian altitude of the sun, 81°. 1'. SO", which gives the 
latitude 25". 55'. N. 
On our return to the town, I observed that its walls and houses 
were of a light green colour, while the castle in ruins appeared of a 
reddish clay ; but I soon discovered that the earth and clay all 
round the town were actually green, and I collected specimens of 
