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SOUTHERN ARABIA. [CH.

and fifty or three hundred Jews, who, with
their wives and families, occupy a separate
quarter. Their huts are constructed in the

same manner as those of the Arabs; and
though the spaces around appear very filthy,
the interior of several wore an air of neatness
and comfort, not to be found in those of the
former. The floor is matted ; they have tables
and chairs; and, in some which I entered, I
observed plates, spoons, knives, and forks.
They sleep on mattresses stuffed with a de­
scription of soft grass, and covered with a
counterpane of coloured cotton. In their per­
sons, they are usually tall, retaining the cast
of features by which they are distinguished in
other parts of the world. The children are
very fair, and several struck me as being ex­

ceedingly handsome. They have dark, expres­
sive eyes, coral lips, pearly teeth, and even

rosy cheeks; but do not retain their good
looks as they advance in years ; while many
of the old women who crawl along the streets
appear squalid, and half famished.
The Jews are not allowed to enter as
soldiers, but are very useful as artisans. They
make silver ear-rings and ornaments for their