'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.' [‎663] (762/905)

CHAP. XXV.] HOSPITALITY OF THE ARABS.
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life. The Arabs, in fact, maintained that no individual
deserved to be considered an astrologer who was not thoroughly
acquainted with the science of astronomy.
No doubt, at the period of their migration into Arabia, the
Cushites possessed some knowledge of astronomy, and this
may have been extended by the arrival of the Kaktanites, and
the descendants of Abraham from Mesopotamia
The great pastoral wealth of the Arabian chiefs in ancient Reception of
times enabled them to dispense, especially to strangers, an travellers -
extensive hospitality. Men were employed in the day time
to collect, and even compel, guests to come in; and that this
generosity might be equally indulged at night, beacons were
kept burning to point out to the benighted traveller where
he might find shelter and entertainment. If the stranger
chanced to be one of the rawi, or travelling historians of
those days, or even a muhaddith, that is, a reciter of tales, a
class of men who availed themselves of the opportunity to
offer occasional compliments to the host and his guests, he
was loaded with presents to an extent which sometimes impo
verished the donor. A circumstance of this nature gave rise
to the proverb, " like the generosity of Hatim Tai," Such
hospitality was not confined to the great, for the tent or house
of an ordinary chief, like those of Abraham and Lot, was
always open, and the host frequently sat at the door for the
purpose of inviting the wayfaring man. After being refreshed,
the stranger proceeded on his way, to enjoy at his need the
hospitality of another chief; and he was usually furnished with
a small supply of food suitable for the continuation of his
journey. Even an enemy was sure of a hospitable reception.
The pagan Arabs abstained from incursions and every kind Occasional
of hostility during the four sacred months of the year, and o^CSs.
likewise during the continuation of many of the ancient fairs,
which were established for the benefit of commerce and the
extension of social intercourse between distant places. One
fair, which lasted nearly a month, took place in Dumak-el-
Fandel, at certain periods, for the purpose of buying, selling,
and barter; another took place in Hijaz, near the present
temple of Mekkah, probably on the plain of Arafat. There