into cloth, after mixing it with their own, which is of a superior quality. A few coarse Indian cloths, and coarse double-milled broad cloths, are likewise articles of import: the exports consist of gold, ivory, slaves, and corn, from Abyssinia. The people speak a mixed language of Abyssinian and Arabic, which makes it difficult even for an Arab to understand them. The population of the town amounts to about two thousand. The natives build dows here, and small boats: and vessels often heave down and repair on the island, which has some small spots of sandy beach.
The following information concerning the trade and duties of
Zeyla, summed up for three years, was given to Mr. Stuart, by the Baskatib of that place, in March 1810.
| Six thousand pots of ghee; duty ½ a measure per pot. | ||
| 80 bahars of coffee. | These are sent by the Sultan of Harrur, whose goods are exempt from duty. | |
| 30 bahars of ivory. | ||
| Myrrh, 5 bahars; no duty on entering: four dollars per bahar on shipping. | ||
| Ostrich feathers, 3 bahars; no duty. | ||
| Juwarry, 5160 measures; duty 10 per cent. on entering; 20 per cent. on shipping. | ||
| Wheat, 4000 measures; duty as on juwarry. | ||
| Hides of bullocks dressed; 1 corja to ship, but no duty on entrance. | ||
| Slaves, male and female, 900: duty one dollar each, whether sold in town or shipped. | ||
| The ghee is brought from the Somaulies. | ||
| The coffee from Hurrur and Gerri. | ||
| The ivory from the Esa Somaulies, the Galla, Hurrur, and Baskola countries. | ||
| The gum arabic and myrrh, are brought by the Goodabeesa Somauli. | ||
| The ostrich feathers by the same, as well as the Esa. | ||
| The juwarry and wheat, by the Goodabeesa and Esa, from Baskola, Gerri, &c.; but never by the Heberawul Somauli. | ||
| The hides from Hurrur, &c. | ||
| The slaves are from various places, as Berbera, Hurrur, Tajoura, &c. | ||
| Tobacco from Muscat, 60 busta or bales; duty 2 dollars per frasil. |
| Coarse cloths from Cutch, 200 bales; duty 5 dollars per bale. |
Miscellaneous Observations respecting the trade of Mocha in May and June, 1810.
The best time for getting a cargo at Mocha is from the beginning of March until the end of August; as coffee in those months is dry, loses little in weight, and is consequently better adapted for shipping. Spanish dollars were at this time 1½ per cent. more valuable
