247 have several Chachamim, of whom the first Rabbi is called Salomo Matuk, and the second Rabbi, Kisim Semama: the Chachamim are not paid by the community, for they themselves are rich manufacturers. The place has two synagogues, both tolerably large; one of them is attented by Cohanim (priests) only, and is therefore called the Priests' Synagogue. In no town are so many priests to be found as here; they form nearly a third part of the community. The Jews are very religious and well instructed in the T a l m u d ; forming a contrast to those living in T r i p o l i , who are rather ignorant. Their trade flourishes, and they likewise many of them possess large manufactories, in which Taleths, turbans, woollen and cotton stuffs are prepared. They likewise occupy themselves with cultivating the soil and the wine. Their commercial intercourse is directed particularly towards Malta, and many Europeans likewise come to Tunis for business transactions. Their dwellings are tolerable, but their food is bad; barley bread is eaten, and i t is only when a stranger visits a house that wheaten bread is baked i n his honour. Numerous scorpions are found in Zerbi, and many deaths are yearly caused by the sting of these dreadful animals. The men dress according to the fashion of Tunis, with only the difference that they wear no stockings, but only red shoes. The women dress according to the same fashion, and when they go abroad they wrap themselves in a large woollen shawl, so that nothing can be seen of the face. They also wear neither shoes nor stockings; and i f one of them were to do it, she would be thought a woman of no character, who wished to make herself remarkable. The houses are built in the most simple manner possible, of street dirt and stones; inside and outside daubed with lime or chalk. Every one is his own architect, and builds according to his own taste, but i t can only be done i n winter, as, otherwise, he would be in want of the greatest requisite — street dirt — which is only to be had at that time of the year when the rain falls. A heavy rain penetrates into these slightly
EIGHT YEARSI NASIA AND AFRICAFROM 1846 TO 1855.
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