'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎182] (291/496)

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mint, is a coin peculiar to the place.* It is oi silver, and is the twenty-second
part of a dollar. The only specimen that I have been able to procure
bore the date of 910 of the Hejira, with the name of the Emir on one
side, and on its reverse “ La Illahi il Ullah.” The coffee districts are
described as lyine^ amongst a low range of mountains near Hui i ur, and
to the southward. The quantity exported is very large, and the quality
fully equal to that commonly sold as “ Mokha.” Besides coffee, Hurrur
exports white cotton cloths, used as dresses by the wealthiest classes.
They are known by the name of “ Tobe Hurruri,” and consist of a double
length of eleven cubits by two in breadth.f They have a deep border
of various colors, of which some are very good, especially the scarlet.
The cotton of which they are made is grown at Hurrur, and the price of
a really good dress is from five to eight dollars. On the windward
coast one of these dresses is considered a handsome present for a chief, and
I have been offered a horse in exchange for one of moderate quality.
A. few silk loongies are also manufactured at Hurrur, and I was assured
that the silk is brought from the countries south of Shoa. Cardamoms,
gum mastic, myrrh, a small quantity of manna, saffron, and safflower, with
the articles abovementioned, comprise the extent of the Hurrur trade
so far as regards produce, but the most valuable branch of commerce is
the export of slaves from Gurague and Habesha.
The duties levied at Hurrur are ten per cent on imports and exports,
and a further tax of six pounds of brass, or two and a half dollars, is laid
on slaves of both sexes. The country in the vicinity is described as
well watered and fertile, and between the city and port of Zeyla the
traveller crosses six small mountain streams of inconsiderable magnitude
flowing to the S. E., viz., Mugush, Shuktheyeh, Subbill, Shefee Anman,
Billoo, and Hamer.
Zeyla, the sea port of Hurrur, but under the dominion of the Shereef
of Mokha for the time being, is a miserable mud-walled town, contain
ing some twelve to fifteen stone houses, 180 huts, and 750 souls. H 1S
situated on a low sandy point nearly level with the sea, and its nearest
well of drinkable water lies at a distance of seven miles. A vessel of
250 tons cannot approach within a mile of the town, and the anchorage
is shallow, and difficult of entrance after sunset, on account of severa
* The value of the Ashraffi changes with each successive ruler. la the reiga
of Emir Abd E. Shekoor, some 200 years ago, it was of gold.
f The Hurrur cloth is considered fully equal to that manufactured m Shoe