The Sultan generally is obliged to give a preference to Fez for a residence, because his presence is necessary to maintain the allegiance of the north country, and to curb its powerful warparty, his son in the meanwhile being left Governor during his absence.  But all these royal cities are on the decline, the “sere and yellow leaf” of a well nigh defunct civilization.  Morocco is a huge shell of its former greatness, a monster of Moresque dilapidations.  France may awaken the slumbering energies of the population of these once flourishing and august cities, but left to themselves they are powerless, sinking under their own weight and uncouth encumbrances, and will rise no more till reconstructed by European hands.

CHAPTER VI.

Description of the towns and cities of the Interior, and those of the Kingdom of Fez.—­Seisouan.—­Wazen.—­Zawiat.—­Muley Dris.—­Sofru.—­ Dubdu.—­Taza.—­Oushdah.—­Agla.
—­Nakbila.—­Meshra.—­Khaluf.—­The Places distinguished in.  Morocco, including Sous, Draka, and Tafilett.—­Tefza.  —­Pitideb.—­Ghuer.—­Tyijet.&md
ash;­Bulawan.—­Soubeit—­Meramer.—­El-Medina.—­ Tagodast.—­Dimenet.—­Aghmat.—­
Fronga.—­Tedmest.—­Tekonlet.—­Tesegdelt.—­ Tagawost.—­Tedsi Beneali.—­Beni Sabih.—­Tatta and Akka.—­Mesah or Assah.—­Talent.—­Shtouka.—­General observations on the statistics of population.—­The Maroquine Sahara.

We have briefly to notice the remaining towns and cities of the interior, with some other remarkable places.

First, these distinguished and well ascertained places in the kingdom of Fez.

Seisouan, or Sousan, is the capital of the Rif province, situate also on the borders of the province of the Habat, and by the sources of a little river which runs into the Mediterranean, near Cape Mazari.  The town is small, but full of artizans and merchants.  The country around is fertile, being well irrigated with streams.  Sousan is the most beautifully picturesque of all the Atlas range.

Sofou, or Sofron, is a fine walled city, southeast of Fez, situate upon the river Guizo; in a vast and well-watered plain near, are rich mines of fossil salt.

Wazen, or Wazein, in the province of Azgar, and the region of the Gharb, is a small city without Walls, celebrated for being the residence of the High Priest, or Grand Marabout of the Empire.  This title is hereditary, and is now (or up to lately) possessed by the famous Sidi-el-Haj-el-Araby-Ben-Ali, who, in his district, lives in a state of nearly absolute independence, besides exercising great influence over public affairs.  This saint, or priest, has, however, a rival at Tedda.  The two popes together pretend to decide the fate of the Empire.  The districts where these Grand Marabouts reside, are without governors, and the inhabitants pay no tribute into the imperial coffers, they are ruled by their two priests under a species of theocracy.  The Emperor never attempts or dares to contest their privileges.  Occasionally