110 
other articles, and are filled with people all day long, 
particularly at the period of the pilgrimage. There are 
also ambulatory restaurateurs, who sell ready-dressed 
victuals and pastry; pewterers, shoemakers, and such 
like artizans. 
All the provisions are dear, except meat, notwith- 
standing the abundance. A large sheep costs nearly 
seven francs. Fowls are very scarce, and consequent- 
ly eggs. There is no game. The corn, or rather flour, 
comes from Upper Egypt; vegetables and rice from 
India. They obtain herbs, &c. from Taif; as also a 
small portion of corn, which is of an inferior quality 
to that of Egypt. Butter is kept in large pots, and is 
common in the country; but it is liquid like oil, on 
account of the heat of the climate. The prices vary 
extremely, in consequence of the want of safety in the 
commerce. The following were the prices of the ar- 
ticles opposite which they are placed, during my stay 
in 1807: 
Turkish Piastres. 
An oka of butter - 
- 5 
A fowl - 
- 4 
Six eggs - 
- 1 
A camel load of fresh water 
- 2 
An oka of oil - 
. 4 
Paras. 
An oka of bread 
- 12 
A bottle of the water of the well - 
- 15 
An oka of fire wood 
- 3 
An oka of coals 
- 20 
The weights and measures are the same as in Egypt, 
