Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/237

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locally renowned for its sanctity. In proof that he has not forgotten, I receive every January a card on which is printed, "Respectful compliments of Sidi Mohammed el Aïd ben Sidi Ali ben Sidi el Haj Ali Tejani Marabout de la Zaouia de Temellat-Temaçin," etc.

A SUBURBAN SETTLEMENT

Filled with the proud consciousness of having made the name of Chicago honored and respected in this far region of the world, we make our way through the outskirts of this oasis of Temaçin, one of the most beautiful that we have seen, for—unique luxury—it boasts a tiny lake. Surrounded by groves of date-producing palms, fanned by a delicious evening breeze, with sparkling waters at our feet, we exclaim: "Can it be possible that this lovely spot is a part of the Sahara desert?"

Yet true it is, and there are many spots as fair upon that desolate expanse. The Sahara desert nourishes upon its sandy breast a population of two and a half millions of souls. In other words, a population equaling in number that of Paris