Page:Travels of Ali Bey in Morocco, Tripoli, Cyprus, Egypt, Arabia, Syria, and Turkey between the years 1803 and 1807 (IA b22006771 0001).pdf/214

 146

praise to the Creator, who in his wisdom has given the camel to the African, as the rein-deer to the Laplander.

The town of Soudra, which is found on the maps under the name of Mogador, was built by Sultan Sidi Mohamed, father to the present Sultan. It is of a regular construction, and its high build- ings give a tolerable view for African cities. The great market- place, which is surrounded with arcades, is handsome; the streets are regular, but too narrow. The town is surrounded with walls, and defended by some picces of cannon, which are placed towards the land-side, in order to prevent the incursions of the Arabs. On the sea-side is a battery, much cleyated, which strikes in front, but the embrasures are so narrow, that the cannon have little reom to play, and are used with some difficulty; this battery contains also some mortars. ‘The last embrasure on the south side forms an angle with the flank, and holds a large cannon, which defends the entrance of the port.

The port is formed by a canal, which makes an island at the south-west part of the town. I was told that it is not very safe; however, an English frigate was riding there at anchor. The entrance of the port has another battery, which is better than the former: large magazines of a very good construction are established between these batterics. ‘

The island which forms the port may be about a mile in diameter, and is about half a mile distant from the shore ; several cannon are planted for its defence. This island serves to confine prisoners of state. —"

Notwithstanding these fortifications, the town of Souera would not be able to stand an attack of any vigour, as it contains no other water but that which is taken from the river, at a mile’s distance.

My residence at Mogador was very dull, this place being confined by a desart of flymg sand, which makes it impossible to walk out. It has no gardens; but about a mile further off some mountains appear, covered with woods of argan trees, and a fine vegetation.