Page:Geographical description of Algiers and Tunis.pdf/3

 from to, and 170 in breadth; bounded on the  by the Mediterranean,  by Tunis,  by Mount Atlas, and  by Morocco. The dey is an absolute monarch, but elected by the Turkish soldiers, and frequently deposed and put to death by them. The revenues of the government arise from the tribute paid by the Moors and Arabs, a detachment of the army being sent into each province every year to collect it; and the prizes they take at sea sometimes equal the taxes they lay upon the natives.

The principal inhabitants of the Kingdom of Algiers, are Arabians, Moors and Jews, estimated at about 200,000, who are Lorded over by 12,000 Turks.

Tunis, a city and the capital of the country of the same name, with a citadel on an eminence, and the fortress of Goletta on the side of a canal, which is the greatest naval military depot belonging to the bey. The city stands on the side of a shallow lake, 9 m in diameter, which is entered from the port, or bay of Goletta, by a narrow passage between the  point of Cape Carthage and the opposite cape. It is an oblong square, 5 m in circuit, with a lofty wall, five gates, and 35 mosques. The number of inhabitants, including 30,000 Jews, is upward of 130,000. Tunis is built without any regularity; the streets, in general, are narrow and dirty; and there are few buildings of any magnificence, except the great mosque, the bey's palace, and a few others. The houses are all built of stone, though but one story high, and have flat roofs. Near the centre of the city is an extensive piazza, which is said formerly to have contained 3000 trades-men’s shops. The divan or council of state, assembles in an old palace, where the bey formerly resided. The Mohamedans here have nine colleges for students, and a great number of smaller schools. Tunis is a place of great trade, and has manufactures of velvets, silks, linen and woollen goods, fire-arms, sword, cutlery, Morocco leather, and red caps, worn by the common people. It is 320 m Tripoli and 380  Algiers. Lon. 10 6, lat. 36 45.