269 
1 have already observed, that the law admits four ortho- 
dox rites; the Turks follow the Hhanifi, and the Ara- 
bians of the west the Maleki. The other two rites of 
Shafi and Hhanbcli, are followed in the east. 
The manner in which the tribunals of the mufti, 
and of the cadis are composed, is really respectable. 
These judges are of an incorruptible integrity, and 
all their ministers are paid out of the funds of the 
mosques. 
There are three prisons at Tripoli, the one for the 
Turks, and the other two for the Moors, but they are 
in a bad state, and worse supported; the prisoners are 
obliged to find their own victuals, or to live on public 
charity. 
The merchants have their meetings in a coffee house, 
which serves also for some loiterers; the two other coffee 
houses are only frequented by the lower class of the 
people. Nothing but coffee without sugar is served in 
these places. 
There are also some taverns, and wine and liquor 
shops, which are kept by Mahometans, who, notwith- 
standing the prohibition by the law, drink wine with- 
out any scruple. 
This branch of public revenue was, at the time of 
my stay there, farmed for the sum of one hundred thou- 
sand franks per annum. 
The market is well supplied, and the prices are very 
moderate. Bread and meat are of a good quality; the 
vegetables are but indifferent. The cuscussu is not so 
well made here as in Morocco. The country produces 
oil sufficient for its consumption. Various kinds of 
grain are used for their food; some of them, !N of which J 
