Majesty, the Sultan, and the King of Prussia, were drunk in champagne
with enthusiasm. There were thirty or forty dishes on the table, and
among them a turkey, the first ever killed in this city. Mr. Gagliuffi
had recently brought a cock and hen from Tripoli. A small saloon was
decorated with banners and cotton-stuffs of Soudan, with various
devices. Amongst these were a small portrait of her Majesty; an Ottoman
blood-red flag, with its crescent and star; and a white flag with the
Prussian black eagle. The effect was excellent, and quite astonished the
natives. The Turks ate and drank famously, and for the most part got
"elevated." When in this state it was curious to see them clawing at the
viands, utterly forgetful of Eastern gravity and decorum. I must
observe, however, that Mustapha Bey himself and one other officer
declined to drink wine. The Turks seem very tolerant to one another in
this respect. It is left as a matter for the decision of every man's
individual conscience. These sensible people do not think that, because
a man is inclined to be an ascetic himself, he is bound to force all
other people to be so likewise.

_25th._--I took a walk in the gardens this evening, and came upon two or
three small circular orchards, having within the circle simply room for
holding water, like a shallow pond, with fruit-trees, vines, fig-trees,
and pomegranates clustering around. These orchards, when thus formed
close by the well-side, are very luxuriant. People now begin to sow
ghaseb, ghafouly, dra, and such grains, which are reaped in the summer
season. Barley and wheat are sown in autumn or winter, and reaped in
spring. As I walked I noticed that the sky was darkly overcast, as if
threatening rain; and presently, sure enough, a few precious drops fell
on the thirsty sandy soil!

I observed a new plant, large, with broad and smooth thick velvety