Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 2.djvu/76

 from all the surrounding lands. The population, at present estimated at six thousand, was then much more numerous.

In some of the Jofra palm groves the water is of exquisite flavour; nevertheless the towns have been founded in the vicinity of the saline springs. Notwithstanding this disadvantage, the oasis is one of the healthiest in the desert region. Ague is unknown, and ophthalmia rare, while other maladies common in the oasis of Fezzan never penetrate to Jofra. But although healthy and vigorous, the natives, whether Berbers or Arabs, have a sickly look, with yellow parchment skins. Men are seldom met amongst them distinguished by the regularity of their features. Although the Arabs, in their quality as the "chosen people" and followers of the

Prophet, regard themselves as superior to the Berbers, they none the less recognise the rights possessed by them as the first possessors of the soil. This position of landowners has been maintained by the Berbers so exclusively that the Arabs are able to acquire possession of the trees alone; hence at times feuds and frays, requiring the intervention of the Turkish troops stationed in Fezzan. The races are doubtless so intermingled that it is difficult any longer to discriminate between the two elements in Jofra. Nevertheless, a traditional convention enables the Berbers to safeguard their primitive proprietary rights. The son, whatever the origin of his mother, is always regarded as belonging to his father's nationality.

The gardens surrounding the towns of the oasis are admirably cultivated, and yield in abundance cereals, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and other vegetables. During