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the top of the wall, on which they were perched like 
birds on a tree. There is a mosque in ruins, in the 
centre of the alcassaba, and some other ruins at the side 
of the mosque. Three or four plots, composed of a 
few miserable houses, give shelter to the wretched in- 
habitants of this retreat. The ka'id of this alcassaba, 
who lives at a douar at two miles' distance, came to pay 
me his respects, and made me a present of some sheep, 
barley, milk, and other victuals. 
Thursday, June 6th. We started at half-past seven 
in the morning, directing our course towards the east; 
and at half- past three we fixed our tents near a misera- 
ble douar, in the vicinity of some ruins or ill-shaped 
houses. 
The ground, which was composed of pure clay, 
afforded a vast plain, and a true desert, without inhabi- 
tants, without vegetation, and composed of heaths burnt 
with the sun. At ten o'clock we passed a great cistern, 
which contained most excellent water; and at noon we 
crossed a small river. 
The weather was bright, and the wind blew fresh 
from east. 
Friday, June 7th. We departed a little before seven 
o'clock in the morning, and passed the great river 
Moulouia, near the ruins of an alcassaba. We followed 
for two hours the road to the north-east, always near 
the river, declining afterwards to the east, and continu- 
ing in this direction till about two o'clock in the after- 
noon, when, passing the ruins of a very large alcassaba, 
near several douars, we came to the river Enza> which 
we crossed and encamped on its banks. 
