55 
and having found our road again, we continued east- 
ward until six o'clock in the morning, when we halted 
at a small douar, called El Hadda, where there was a 
well of briny water. 
I could not exactly estimate the distance we had 
gone; but I think we were about eight leagues to the 
east of Djedda. 
The huts in this douar were all alike, quite round, 
about seven or eight feet diameter. The tops resem- 
ble cones, the summits of which are about seven feet 
high. They are formed with sticks like a cage, and 
covered with palm leaves and bushes.* 
On the outside of the douar, which w r as encompass- 
ed by a hedge, were two circles of empty huts, which 
were destined to lodge the caravans; upon the arrival 
of which, the persons choose those that suit them best ? 
without asking permission of any one. 
Between the circles was the well, which was about 
two feet square and six fathoms deep. We judged that 
the soil was composed of moving sand to a great 
depth, by looking down the well, which was lined from 
top to bottom with boards to prevent its falling in. 
There was some vegetation; but no flowers or 
fruit. This douar is situated in a sandy valley, which 
runs east and west, and is enclosed by mountains of 
red porphyry, of a colour more or less dark. 
It appeared interesting to me to see the camels eat, 
The driver placed a mat of a circular form, about six 
feet diameter, upon the ground, upon which he laid a 
pile of brambles and herbs, cut very small: he then 
permitted the camels to approach, when they imme- 
diately squatted themselves down upon the ground ail 
* See the Plate. 
