84 
JOURNEY FROM 
trifling dimensions: there also we noticed several fragments of marble 
columns, and a considerable quantity of pottery and glass. Among 
the sand hills are likewise some remains of Arab baths, built of stone 
and cement ; and about them are scattered the ruins of walls and 
buildings, as though the village had once been there, but having 
been deserted was gradually covered with sand. 
Our tents at Zeliten were pitched upon the sand hills close to the 
tomb of a celebrated Mardbut, called Sidy Abd el Salam, much 
respected by all the Mahometan population*. The Arabs of our 
escort were particularly desirous that we should show some marks of 
attention to the remains of this holy personage, by passing his tomb 
at a slow and solemn pace, and at a respectful distance ; and though 
it may be imagined we had no great faith in the sanctity of this 
venerated Shekh, and as little in the miracles which were attributed 
to him, we complied with their pious request. . The tombs of such 
Marabuts as have acquired any tolerable celebrity, present a singular 
appearance, in the motley collection of votive offerings and deposits 
which are displayed both within and without the holy structures ; 
and bundles of wood and long grass, ploughs, mats, jars, and shreds 
of old garments, are seen mingled with rusty firelocks and pistols, 
* The saint and his tomb are thus mentioned by Captain Lyon : — 
“ This place (Zeliten) is particularly blessed in possessing the remains of a great Ma- 
rabut, who is buried in a really handsome mosque, ornamented with minarets and neat 
cupolas, and whitewashed all over. His descendants are much respected, and are called 
Weled el Sheikh, sons of the elder; they think themselves authorized to be the most 
impudent, begging set of people in the whole regency of Tripoly.” (P. 335.) 
