12 illustration(s) from this book
NOTE 37. I read "naṭ'an," as in the Calcutta edition of the first two
hundred nights, instead of "kiṭa'an" in the Cairo edition. The naṭạ is a
large round piece of leather, which, spread upon the ground, serves as a
table for dinner, &c. It is particularly convenient, and therefore much
used, in travelling. Around the edge is a running string, which, being
drawn, converts it into a bag to hold what is left of the food.
NOTE 38.--_On the office of_ Ḳáḍee. The Ḳáḍee is a judge, or minister of
justice, who passes sentence in all cases of law, religious, moral,
civil, and criminal. This he generally does, in the present day, in
accordance with the decision of a Muftee, or doctor of the law. In small
towns and villages, he is often employed to draw up written contracts of
various kinds.
NOTE 39. The famous Saạdee attained the age here mentioned; but
instances of equal longevity, among the Orientals, are rare.[110]
NOTE 40. To perform the ablution preparatory to prayer in the
expectation of almost immediate death, is a supererogatory act which, I
believe, is seldom observed.