Chapter 8

ADEN.

Commanding situation of Aden--Its importance in former times--But few remains of its grandeur--Its facilities as a retreat for the piratical hordes of the Desert--The loss of its trade followed by reduction of the population--Speculations as to the probability of ultimately resisting the Arabs--Exaggerated notions entertained by the Shiekhs of the wealth of the British--Aden a free Port would be the Queen of the adjacent Seas--Its advantages over Mocha--The Inhabitants of Aden--The Jews--The Banians--The Soomalees--The Arabs--Hopes of the prosperity of Aden--Goods in request there--Exports--Re-embarkation on the Steamer--Want of attention--Makallah--Description of the place--Its products--The Gazelle--Traveller in Abyssinia--Adventurous English Travellers--Attractions of the Arab life--Arrival at Bombay

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