It is very difficult to ascertain the amount of tribute collected in the Jereed, some of which, however, was not got in, owing to various impediments. Our tourists say generally:—
Camel-loads. [40]
Money, dollars, and piastres, (chiefly I
imagine, the latter.) 23
Burnouses, blankets, and quilts, &c. 6
Dates (these were collected at Toser,
and brought from Nefta and the surrounding
districts) 500
——
Total 529
It is impossible, with this statement before us, to make out any exact calculation of the amount of tribute. A cantar of dates varies from fifteen to twenty-five shillings, say on an average a pound sterling; this will make the amount of the 500 camel-loads at five cantars per load £2,500
Six camel-loads of woollen manufactures,
&c., at sixty pound per load, value 360
———
Total £2,860
The money, chiefly piastres, must be left to conjecture. However, Mr. Levy, a large merchant at Tunis, thinks the amount might be from 150 to 200,000 piastres, or, taking the largest sum, £6,250 sterling:
Total amount of the tribute of the Jereed:
in goods £2,860
Ditto, in money: 6,250
———
Total £9,110
To this sum may be added the smaller presents of horses, camels, and other beasts of burden.
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