It is not improbable, however, that the knowledge of this recommendation of Davidson, which, from the Sheikh’s people themselves, would naturally reach the court of Morocco, might have excited that jealous court to compass in some way his death, or at any rate thwart his expedition to Timbuctoo, for the Emperor is exceedingly jealous of any European holding communication with the south.  The Sheikh Barook is, in spite of all this, very anxious to begin an intercourse with Europeans; and not long ago, a messenger arrived with a bag of money for the Jew, Cohen, telling him to take some out of it, and to go to the Sheikh who wished to see him.  But Cohen would not expose himself to the displeasure of the Emperor, although he has English protection.

Wadnoun is a quasi-independent Sheikhdom of the empire.  The Sheikh of Wadnoun pays no tithes nor other imposts, and only sends an annual present as a mark of vassal-homage to the Emperor.  Sous, which adjoins this province, is more immediately under the power of the Sultan of the Shereefs, but the tithes are not so easily collected in the south as in the north.  Much depends on the ability of the governor, who rules the whole of the district in the name of the Emperor.  The imperial authority is maintained principally by prompting disunion amongst the Sheikhs; Sous being divided into numerous districts, each district having an independent Sheikh.

By confusion and divisions among themselves, the Emperor rules all as paramount-lord.  When will people learn to be united, so that by union they may win their freedom and independence?  Alas! never.  Wadnoun is treated, however, very tenderly; for if the Emperor were to attempt the subjugation of this country, the malcontents of Sous would join the Sheikh, and his authority would probably be overthrown in all the south.

Sous is the richest of these provinces, and equal to any other of the northern districts.  Its trade in dates, ostrich feathers, wax, wool, and hides, particularly in gums, almonds, and slaves, is very great.  All the Saharan caravans must pass through this country, except those proceeding via Tafilett to Fez.  Teroudant, its capital, is a very ancient city, and was built by the ancient Berbers.  It has a circumference of walls capable of containing eighty thousand people, but the actual population does not exceed twenty thousand.  Its inhabitants are very industrious, and the Moors excel in the art of dyeing.

Noun, or Wadnoun, as this country and its capital are sometimes called, Mr, Davidson briefly describes as a large district, having many clusters of inhabitants.  The town where the Sheikh resides, is of good size, and has a millah, or Jew’s quarter, besides a good market.  It stands on the river (such as it is) distant twenty two miles from the sea.