'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.' [‎538] (629/905)

538
COMMERCE.
[CHAP. XXI.
consumption of the people, rather than by the capability of the
soil and the advantages of an export trade.
Exports. Commerce, however, still lingers on those shores where it
had its beginning, and from whence it was gradually extended
to Europe, Ophir, and along the shores of the great continent
of Africa.
Were the cultivation of silk, cotton, tobacco, madder, wine,
olive oil, grain 1 and fruits, pushed to anything like the capa
bilities of the soil, and were the sponge trade extended, there
would in this country be ample returns for the imports; whereas,
at present, vessels are obliged either to return with half cargoes,
or else to visit two or more ports in order to complete their
lading.
imports. The imports are French and German cloths, cutlery, coffee,
long-cloths, twist, rice, salt, indigo, cochineal, copperas, tin,
pepper, pimento, and yarn; and from the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , pearls,
muslins, with other kinds of Indian and Persian goods; and
the value of the whole being greater than that of the exports,
the difference is made up by cash payments.
impediments There are besides, many other disadvantages to which the
to commerce. . . 1 ^. | r. , ,
country is subject, such as the want 01 good harbours and
carriage-roads into the interior, the deficiency of capital, and
the absence of that confidence which often supplies its place;
also the high rate of interest (from 12 to 30 per cent.) on
borrowed money ; and, above all, the improvident habits of the
various branches composing the people of Syria; from the
Turk, who contents himself with what he has, to the lawless
Bedawin who levies an enormous tax on the merchandise as
it passes the desert.
But as trade flourished at one period notwithstanding the
impediments which have always existed, it would do so again;
and with two such emporiums as Aleppo to the north, and
Damascus, touching the desert, to the south, the country
would soon change a state bordering upon poverty for one of
comparative richness.
The latter city, besides its intercourse with Europe through
A sweetmeat called dibbes, which is made from grapes, and supplies the
place of sugar, is an article of export to Turkey.