272 
Nos- Hamissin is the half of an hamissin, as is im- 
plied by the name. 
Para. Twelve paras and a half make one hamissin. 
in copper: 
Para. Twelve and a half paras equal to one ha- 
missin. 
JYos-Para=(ha\f a para)=25 of which make a ha- 
missin. This is the smallest current coin. 
IMAGINARY COIN: 
Piastra. Fifty piasters are equal to a hamissin. 
All these are of an inferior quality, particularly the 
silver coin, which is nothing but plated copper. 
Their respective value fluctuates according to the 
circumstances of the moment, as in my time there were 
some paras of good silver in circulation, which had ex- 
actly the same weight as copper paras, without differ- 
ing in value; for twelve and an half of the one as well 
as of the other, were equal to a hamissin. 
The Europeans are liked, and even respected at Tri- 
poli. Besides the consuls of the different European 
powers, there were a French merchant, brother to the 
consul; a Spanish ship-builder, a physician from Malta, 
and a Swiss watch-maker. 
The Christians have a chapel which is served by four 
monks of the third order of Rome. It is to be remar- 
ked that these monks have a bell in their chapel, the 
sound of which is daily heard at all quarters of the 
town. 
This chapel is kept in repair by means of casual and 
free gifts, and of a pension granted by the court of 
Rome. 
