time, it is taken off, coloured with saffron, and mixed with some
butter, salt, and pepper, and piled up in a large round bowl or
dish, garnished with the chicken or meat and vegetables. This is a
very nutritious, wholesome, and palatable dish, when well cooked.
It is in high estimation with the Arabs, Moors, Brebers, Shelluhs,
and Negroes. When they sit down to eat, each person puts his
fingers into the dish before him; and in respectable society, it is
remarkable how dextrously they jerk the food into their mouths,
which never come into contact with their hands; so that this mode
of eating is scarcely objectionable, certainly not obnoxious, as
some travellers have represented it; but who probably had
associated with the lower ranks of society, who, indeed, are not
particular in these observances.
98
All kind of trades are carried on at Marocco: jewellers,
goldsmiths, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, tanners, &c. &c.; but that
which is the most honourable, is a shoe-maker, because Muhamed
himself was one. At Mequinas they make excellent shoes, of leather
impervious to water, for 1_s._ 8_d._ per pair.

The time now approached for our audience of business, and we had
represented to the _Talb Cadus_, that the export duties on some
articles were too heavy, viz. on wax, almonds, and olive oil; also
on certain imports, viz. iron, steel, and Buenos Ayres hides; but
no diminution was obtained, except in the duty of bees' wax. The
emperor gave hopes of an exportation of grain, and desired us to
write to Europe for ships to come and load wheat, barley, Indian
corn, caravances, beans, lentils, and millet. We were favourably
received; the emperor asked several questions respecting Europe,
and informed us we should return to Mogodor in a few days. Three
days after this audience we were ordered to meet the emperor in the
_Jenan En neel_, where we had our audience of leave, and the
emperor gave each of us a fine horse, chosen by ourselves out of
his own stable; and we took our leave and departed for Mogodor the
following evening. We slept encamped under the magnificent and
lofty date trees, in the neighbourhood of the city, the first
night.
99

LETTER X.

FROM MR. WILLIS TO MR. JACKSON.

Harley-street, London,

My dear Sir,