276 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. CIIAP. Vll. 
south. The people derive their subsistence from dates which may 
almost be said to be the only support of the country, and from the 
small quantity of grain and vegetables, which they raise with so mucli 
toil in the gardens : they occasionally treat themselves with a little 
c<imels' flesh. Sheep and goats are too expensive for the poorer 
class ; and I believe, that even among the opulent, there is no man 
vvho can afford to eat meat above three times a week. The}^ do not 
carry on any particular trade, except with Eornou, Soudan, and 
Waday, for slaves, and the barter attendant on the dealings with 
the Kaffles. jMany of the plants which are cultivated in the 
southern parts of Europe would, no doubt, flourish in this country, 
with the usual attention which is paid to the gardens. European 
spades, rakes, light hoes, and ploughs, might be introduced in this 
part of the world with great success, and vvould be most gratefully 
received. IMachines for winnowing corn, which is generally mixed 
with chaff, sieves, &c. would also be very beneficial. The people 
would not at first comprehend their use, but I conceive that those 
few articles would soon become familiar to them, and be much 
prized. There is not any kind of timber which can be used for 
building, or, more properly, which can be cut into planks. The 
palm is the only tree they have, and is used for doors, props, and 
frames for wells ; it is hkewise employed for beams, by cutting 
the trunk in four quarters ; it is very porous, dry, and subject to 
rot, and is easily broken. 
Landed property is generally in the possession of the better 
classes, and is cultivated for them by the free servants and slaves, 
who work alike, and experience exactly the same treatment. Lands 
generally descend to the nearest relations at the decease of the 
owner ; but if he dies without heirs, or is put to death for an 
alleged crime, the Sultan claims them as his right : the owner, 
notwithstanding, can, if he pleases, buy or sell, without being bound 
