TRIPOLY TO BENGAZI. 
101 
even larger and blacker than those of one of his own wives, whom he 
knew to be a very sinful woman. In the morning it happened that 
the poor girl was better, and the fame of the Marabut was widely 
diffused ; but whether her recovery was owing to the holy man’s 
exertions, or to a copious draught of medicine administered by 
Mr. Campbell, we will leave to the decision of our readers. 
During our stay at Mesurata, where we were detained several days, 
in consequence of the non-appearance of the Shekh’s promised 
camels, we took the opportunity afforded by the delay, of visiting the 
places of most interest in the neighbourhood. 
Bushaifa Bay had been stated by Captain Lautier to. afford good 
anchorage for shipping, and seemed in consequence to call for some 
examination ; but we must confess that it did not appear, upon in- 
spection, to deserve the character which that officer gives it. Of the 
protection which may be afforded by breakers we cannot venture to 
speak, Mesurata not boasting so much as a single boat, but it is cer- 
tain that the land does not give the shelter required, as wiU be seen 
by a reference to the chart. On the point of the bay, where is the 
best landing-place, there has formerly been a fort, which is now en- 
tirely destroyed. 
As we had arrived on the confines of the Gulf of the greater 
Syrtis, the position of the promontory, which had been stated by the 
ancients to form its western extremity, was a most important object 
of inquiry. Between the town of Mesurata and the sea there is a 
high range of sand-hills, rising far above the heads of the tallest 
date-trees about them : and beyond these is a promontory of soft 
