16 
They can endure equally well the most burning sun in 
summer and the heaviest rains of winter. Notwith- 
standing this treatment they are stout, strong, and 
healthy; from this experience I should be tempted to 
believe that the Moorish method is preferable to the 
warm stables and full feed so much adopted in Europe, 
which makes the horses not only delicate but also trou- 
blesome in great military evolutions. Perhaps, how. 
ever, the difference between the climates should be con- 
sidered. 
There are many horses at Tangier and some mules, 
but very few asses. The latter and the mules are mostly 
very small. The horses are of all sizes, but in general 
they do not stand very high; they have much fire and 
excellent qualities; they are not regularly trained, be- 
cause their masters are not acquainted with the art of 
breaking them in. Most of them are white or ash- 
coloured, and these are the strongest; but the chesnut 
ones are generally the handsomest. 
The population of Tangier is estimated at ten thou- 
sand souls. They are chiefly soldiers, little retail dealers, 
and clumsy mechanics. There are a few persons in 
good circumstances, and some Jews. 
The most distinguished characteristic of these peo- 
ple is idleness. At every hour of the day they are seen 
sitting or stretching themselves in the streets and other 
public places. They are incessantly gossiping and pay- 
ing visits, so that at first it cost me great trouble to get 
rid of them; but afterwards as they began to respect 
me, they withdrew at the first expression of my wish to * 
be alone. By this means I procured time to pursue my 
own plans and occupations. 
The complete dress of these people consists of a shirt 
with very wide sleeves, enormous drawers of white 
