68 
passed the river of Mequinez; and, traversing a small 
hill, I came to a chapel close to the gate of the town. 
The country which I had observed the day ^before, 
and which at the first sight appeared to contain nothing 
else but plains, I found to be composed of a labyrinth 
of round hills, of an equal height, between which the 
Ordom and some small brooks were making number- 
less turns. The chain of the mountains to the east dis- 
played high summits at a great distance. 
The elevation on which Mequinez is situated, is not 
considerable. A triple line of walls forms a circumfer- 
ence, which is large enough to contain a great army, as 
well as the inhabitants. These walls are fifteen feet 
high and three feet thick, with openings on various 
points. The town, viewed from the height of the road, 
presents a very handsome spectacle, with its steeples, 
kitchen gardens, and olive trees, forming a pleasing 
amphitheatre. The day was again cloudy and rainy. 
Near the road we saw some douars. 
At two in the afternoon, I had sent one of my servants 
with a letter to Sidi Mohammed Salaoui, informing him 
of my arrival. 
In consequence of this information, I found about 
two miles off Mequinez, an officer of the court, who had 
been sent to meet me by order of the Sultan; and who, 
having made me rest in the above-mentioned chapel,, 
conducted me, with my baggage, to the house which 
had been prepared for me. 
On my arrival, the high treasurer came to me; and, 
after some ceremonies, offered me every thing that I 
might want, as well for myself as for my people and 
mules; having been ordered to provide me withevery 
necessary without exception. At nine o'clock Sidi 
Mohamet Salaoui sent me a splendid supper. 
