His couch is spread on the ground, and his visitors squat down on the sandy floor, at a respectful distance.

Captain Lyon and his party were always honoured by having a corner of the carpet offered to them.

The best and most airy part of the castle is occupied by the women, who have small rooms round a large court, in which they take exercise, grind corn, cook, and perform other domestic offices.

The number of great ladies, called _kibere,_ seldom exceed six.

This dignified title is generally given to the mothers of the sultan's children, or to those, who having been once great favorites, are appointed governesses to the rest; there are, altogether about fifty women, all black and very comely, and from what stolen glances we could obtain, they appeared extremely well dressed.