'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎546] (637/905)

546
HEBREWS AND MITAULIS. [CHAP. XXI.
Jewish popu- are not of his creed. Till lately, the Jew was distinguished by
lation ' a dark blue or black turban, and a long dress of coarse material
of the former colour; but here, as elsewhere, he simulates
poverty. The wealth of this people, for many of them are rich,
is much greater than is generally supposed, as may be seen
when the traveller happens for a time to become their guest.
The Jewish population in Syria is supposed to be as follows:—
At Jerusalem . . . • • 5000
Hebron 800
Tiberias . . • - 1000
Safet .1500
Aleppo 4000
Beirut 300
Ndbulus 300
The Armenians of Syria, who are comparatively few, and
dwell almost entirely in the cities and towns, nearly resemble
the Jews, both in character and in their occupations.
The Greeks, who have been noticed in the preceding chapter,
are more numerous, and chiefly inhabit the places on or near
the coast, where maritime occupations are their chief and
favourite pursuit.
Tract occupied The peaceful character of the Hebrew and the Armenian
by the Mitauiis. ( j oeg not) however, belong to the Ansaries or Ismaili, and still
less can it be claimed by the Mitauiis, or Mu tazelis, another
tribe which has long formed one section of the Syrian people.
The Mitauiis occupy a portion of the northern part of the
district of Akka, but they are principally found in that of
Tripoli and on the slopes of Lebanon near Ba albek, also towards
the western extremity of the Pashalik of Damascus. In the
17th century, however, their territory was more extensive, not
only in the interior, but also on the coast, where it included
the ports of Sur and Jube'il.
They are presumed to be a branch of the ancient Syrians,
who in later times embraced the doctrines of Ali: to these
they adhere so rigidly that an earthern vessel out of which a
Christian may have drank is forthwith broken ; and even their
own clothes, if touched, are considered unclean. In other
particulars, also, they resemble the Shiahs of Persia, and