Page 70 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

III.] t6r TO SINAI. 51

by Ehrenberg the Coccus Mannifera, which,
together with the peculiar mode in which its
labours are conducted, is figured in his work,
but, at the period of my visit in September,
although, after the minutest inspection, no
insects were visible, yet the extremities of the
twigs and branches, where they are commonly

found, retained that peculiar sweetness and
flavour which characterizes the manna. The
Bedowins collect it early in the morning, and
after straining it through cloths, place it in
either skins or gourds. A considerable quan­
tity is consumed by themselves; a portion is
sent to Cairo; and some is also disposed of
to the monks at Mount Sinai. The latter

retail it to the Russian pilgrims, who receive
it with much reverence, as an incontestable
proof of the event to which it refers. The
Bedowins assured me, that the whole quantity
collected throughout the peninsula, in the
most fruitful seasons, did not exceed one
hundred and fifty wogas (about seven hun­
dred pounds); and that it was usually dis­

posed of at the rate of sixty dollars the woga.
They regard it as a great luxury, and use it
for all the purposes of honey; but if taken in
e 2