30 
the trade of the interior of Africa. The revolutions in 
Barbary prevent the arrival or departure of caravans 
for Morocco, Algiers, and the whole of the western 
countries. 
The wandering Arabs of Ssaddor, or the Desert? 
repair to the environs of Suez, to rob the caravans, 
which convey effects from Arabia and the Indias that 
arrive by the Red Sea. The war with England sus- 
pends the commerce with the Mediterranean. These 
are the causes which have diminished the exterior 
commerce of Egypt. 
The interior commerce is not more flourishing. The 
Mamelukes reign over all Upper Egypt; Elfi in the 
province of Behira; the Arabs of the province of 
Scharkia are in rebellion; partial revolutions occur 
continually in Garbia, or the Delta; in short, it may 
be said that it is almost impossible to perform the 
least journey in Egypt without running the greatest 
risks. 
When I see Cairo carrying on so great trade as it 
does under such fatal circumstances, I say Egypt is 
a great country. But what would it be under more 
favourable circumstances, and a tutelary government! 
* 
CHAPTER III. 
Voyage to Suez. — Arabian Vessels. — Passage over the Red Sea.-— Danger of the 
Vessel. — Arrival at Djedda;— -Affair with the Governor. — Djedda. 
Ramadan having ended the 11th of December, I 
made all the necessary arrangements for my journey to 
Mecca. Some of my friends wrote to their corres- 
pondents at Suez, Djedda, and Mecca, to bespeak 
