properly means the capitation tax levied on Infidels; in this land of intense pride, the Badawin, and even the town-chiefs, apply the opprobrious term to blackmail extorted from travellers, even of their own creed. [FN#17] The Shugduf of Al-Hijaz differs greatly from that used in Syria and other countries.  It is composed of two corded cots 5 feet long, slung horizontally, about half-way down, and parallel with the camel’s sides.  These cots have short legs, and at the halt may be used as bedsteads; the two are connected together by loose ropes, attached to the inner long sides of the framework, and these are thrown over the camel’s packsaddle.  Thick twigs inserted in the ends and the outer long sides of the framework, are bent over the top, bower-fashion, to support matting, carpets, and any other protection against the sun.  There is an opening in this kind of wicker-work in front (towards the camel’s head), through which you creep; and a similar one behind creates a draught of wind.  Outside, towards the camel’s tail, are pockets containing gullehs, or earthenware bottles, of cooled water.  Inside, attached to the wickerwork, are large provision pouches, similar to those used in old-fashioned travelling chariots.  At the bottom are spread the two beds.  The greatest disadvantage of the Shugduf is the difficulty of keeping balance.  Two men ride in it, and their weights must be made to tally.  Moreover, it is liable to be caught and torn by thorn trees, to be blown off in a gale of wind; and its awkwardness causes the camel repeated falls, which are most likely to smash it.  Yet it is not necessarily an uncomfortable machine.  Those for sale in the bazar are, of course, worthless, being made of badly seasoned wood.  But private litters are sometimes pleasant vehicles, with turned and painted framework, silk cordage, and valuable carpets.  The often described “Mahmil” is nothing but a Syrian Shugduf, royally ornamented. [FN#18] " Exquisites.” [FN#19] It is the same rule with the Arab, on the road as at home; the more he is dressed the greater is his respectability.  For this reason, you see Sharifs and other men of high family, riding or walking in their warm camel’s hair robes on the hottest days.  Another superstition of the Arabs is this, that thick clothes avert the evil effects of the sun’s beams, by keeping out heat.  To the kindness of a friend-Thomas Seddon-I owe the admirable sketch of an “Arab Shaykh in his Travelling Dress.” [FN#20] Sharifs and other great men sometimes bind a white turband or a Cashmere shawl round the kerchief, to keep it in its place.  The Aakal varies in every part of the country.  Here it is a twist of dyed wool, there a bit of common rope, three or four feet long.  Some of the Arab tribes use a circlet of wood, composed of little round pieces, the size of a shilling, joined side by side, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.  The Eastern Arabs wear a large circle of brown wool, almost a turband in itself.  In Barbary, they twist brightcoloured