242 FROM THE PASSAGE OF MOUNT HiEMUS, 
CHAP, affected with fever after our stay here ; except- 
. ing those persons of the Embassy who resorted 
to the hot vapour-baths of the town, and sus- 
tained the utmost influence of the sudatory. 
The Ambassador spent nearly an entire night in 
the bath; going thither the evening after his 
arrival. The next morning we visited him, and 
found him so exhausted by his bathing, that he 
was sleeping upon the divan of his apartment. 
To our surprise, we saw also his slaves sprawl- 
ing upon the same divan, and fast asleep. The 
Turkish Secretary and Treasurer were the only 
persons awake, sitting with grave faces, and in 
perfect silence, opposite to each other. We 
entered into conversation with them for a few 
minutes ; taking care to speak in a low tone of 
voice, not to arouse the sleepers. Prince 
Muruzi afterwards told us not to wonder at 
seeing slaves admitted to such familiarity; as 
throughout Turkey the slaves are regarded with 
parental tenderness ; the most menial servant 
always being held superior to the officers of the 
Turkish army. The military profession is con- 
sidered the lowest in the empire. 
April 13 — This morning we left Shumlaf and 
continued our journey, travelling over plains in 
the highest state of cultivation. After riding 
