He mentioned the things which a functionary of government was permitted
to receive as presents,--viz., two sheep, twelve pounds and a half of
butter, fifty eggs, and two fowls. This to be received once only from a
friend. But some of the functionaries say they can receive a cantar of
butter, if divided into sufficiently small quantities, and spread over
several days.
People all admire the clock I purchased for the Sultan of Sakkatou, to
give him instead of the chronometer. When it strikes the hours, I tell
them it speaks various languages, at which they are greatly astonished.
Yesterday evening, a shower of bats made their appearance at dusk.
_22d._--I went with Dr. Overweg to visit the Pilgrims. We had previously
examined the head of one of them phrenologically. The news had been
spread in the tents, and the whole troop came to have their craniums
studied on our arrival amongst them. This science--if such it can be
called--tickles the fancies of people hereabouts, being suited to their
capacity. One fellow wished to know from his head whether he should gain
much money this year. They looked upon the matter as a species of
fortune-telling.
_23d._--The Pilgrims' heads must have itched all night. Here they are
again to have them handled! All the polls in Mourzuk will probably pass
under our hands if this goes on. It is singular that the pilgrimage to
Mekka has not nourished sufficient fanaticism to prevent these good
people from allowing an infidel doctor to make free with their crowns,
and expatiate on their passions and propensities.
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