The neat appearance of the men in general is very striking, compared with that of the Arabs about the coast.

The women are considered exceedingly handsome, indeed one or two were really so, and as fair as Europeans, but they are noted for their profligacy and love of intrigue.
The first day of spring is at Sockna a day of general rejoicing.

It is then the custom, to dress out little tents or bowers on the tops of the houses, decorating them with carpets, _jereeds_, shawls, and sashes.

A gaudy handkerchief on a pole, as a standard, completes the work, which is loudly cheered by the little children, who eat, drink, and play during the day in these covered places, welcoming the spring by songs, and crying continually, "O welcome spring, with pleasure bring us plenty." The women give entertainment in their houses, and the day is quite a holiday.

From the top of the houses in which Captain Lyon lodged, these little bowers had a very pretty effect, every roof in the town being ornamented with one.