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pearance. It is very rare to find a door that has not a 
base with steps, and small seats on both sides. The 
blinds of the balconies are not very close; and holes 
are cut besides in different parts of them. 
The roofs form terraces, surrounded by a wall about 
seven feet high, open at certain spaces, which are 
occupied by a railing formed of red and white bricks, 
placed horizontally and symmetrically, leaving holes 
for the circulation of the air; and at the same time 
that they contribute to the ornaments of the front, they 
skreen the women from being seen when they are upon 
the terraces. 
All the staircases that I saw were narrow, dark, and 
steep. The rooms are well proportioned, long, broad, 
and lofty, and have, besides the large windows and 
balconies, a second row of smaller windows. They 
have also a shelf all round, as at Alexandria, which 
serves to place various things upon. 
The beauty of the houses may be considered as the 
remains of the ancient splendour of Mecca. Every 
inhabitant has an interest in preserving his dwelling, 
to invite and excite the pilgrims to lodge with him; 
because it is one of his principal resources, on account 
of the terms demanded, and other additional benefits. 
There is no open place or square at Mecca, because 
the irregularity of the ground and the want of space 
would not permit it. The public markets are held in 
the principal streets; and it may be said that the great 
street in the centre is a continued market from one 
end of the city to the other. The dealers expose their 
goods, &c. in slight sheds, built with sticks and mats, 
or under large umbrellas, supported by three sticks^ 
which meet in the centre. 
The markets are well provided with provisions and 
