“Emollit mores nec sinit esse feros.”
He divides them into two classes as cultivators of land. First, Those residing in a village called Eljy; and, second, Those residing in tents under one Abu Zeitoon.
He describes them as a very exclusive people, never intermarrying with Arabs, nor burying in common grounds with them; and having a different set of personal names among them from those used by Arabs, which names greatly resemble those found in the Old Testament Scriptures.
He concludes that they are descendants of the ancient Edomites.
A most remarkable circumstance that he observed, was their calling themselves children of Israel, (Beni Israïn.) This he regards as a feeble traditional reminiscence of their proselytism to the faith of Israel by the sword of the Maccabæan conquerors.
For my own part, I distinctly aver that during the altercation upon my arrival there, between them and my Jehâleen, I did hear the words “children of Israel” used. I had not chosen to take a part in the conference, or to remain long at a time
among the disputants, but only passed occasionally in and out of the tent, and my mind was chiefly engrossed with the subject-matter in hand, so that on hearing the words, “children of Israel,” I thought they were alluding to some history or tradition of the Hebrew people. But afterwards, on connecting the fact with Dr Wilson’s assertion, I cannot but consider it very remarkable.
But the whole subject of these Fellahheen seems to merit closer attention from those who have the leisure and opportunity for it.
I know that numerous travellers, including ladies, have been there in safety; and it is probable that some of the disputes which have arisen were occasioned either through ignorance, or from insolence of the dragomans. It would be interesting to compare the accounts of those who have suffered annoyances in Petra, so as to ascertain how far the Fellahheen were to blame, or whether difficulties are not rather due to the Arab tribes who are in the habit of tyrannising over the Fellahheen from the outside.
C. On the ’Arabah and the Dead Sea.