300 THE HOLV LAND. 
A large part of this convent, surrounding an 
Stores. 
elevated open court or terrace, is appropriated 
to the reception of pilgrims; for whose main- 
tenance the monks have considerable funds, the 
result of donations from Catholics of all ranks, 
but especially from Catholic Princes. These 
contributions are sometimes made in cash, and 
often in effects, in merchandize, and stores for 
Convent tlic couvcut. To meutiou, by way of example, 
one article, equally rare and grateful to weary 
English travellers ; namely, tea : of this they had 
an immense provision, and of the finest quality. 
Knowing, from long habit in waiting upon pil- 
grims, the taste of different nations, they most 
hospitably entertain their comers according to 
the notions they have thus acquired. If a table 
be provided for Englishmen or for Dutchmen, 
they supply it copiously with tea. This pleasing 
and refreshing beverage was served every 
morning and evening while we remained, in large 
bowls, and we drank it out of pewter por- 
ringers. For this salutary gift the monks 
positively refused to accept our offers of com- 
pensation, at a time when a few drachms of any 
kind of tea could with difficulty be procured 
from the English ships in the Mediterranean, at 
the most enormous prices. Persons who have 
not travelled in these latitudes will perhaps not 
