established at Wedinoon, for the purpose of transportation finally to Europe, to adorn the heads of our fashionable females. Writing as I am for the information of merchants as well as others, it may not be unacceptable to my readers, some of whom may perhaps be induced to form establishments in those unknown regions, to learn the method of purchasing ostrich feathers in West and South Barbary. It is as follows: A quintal, or 100 lbs. weight, is thus distributed according to custom from time immemorial: 75 lb. small black feathers. { Zumar. } { } 25 lb { Lobar. } of each one-third. { } { Long black. } N.B. The feathers denominated Zumar, are preferable to Long Black, and these are preferable to Lobar. To this quintal of assorted feathers are added 6 lb. 4 oz. of passable or fine feathers, which are delivered in the following proportions: No. 1. Surplus face feathers, called Uguh, No. 1. 2 lb. 2. Fine face feathers, of which three count for two of No. 1. so that 3 lb. of No. 2 being delivered count for 2 3. Face feathers valued 2 for one surplus face, so that 4 lb count for 2 4. Basto face 3 lb. count for one 1 ---------- lb. 7 0 to each quintal 6 4 ---------- Surplus 0 12 oz. These 12 oz. over the quintal are brought into imaginary pieces, or single feathers; thus 4½ surplus face feathers are equivalent to one ounce, so that 12 oz. will make fifty-four feathers; the contract will therefore stand thus: 100 lb. at 90 drahims per lb. is 9000 drahims, or 900 Mexico dollars. 54 feathers or pieces, at 9 drahims per piece, is 486 drahims. ---- 9486 drahims, which sum is equivalent to 948⁶⁄₁₀ Mexico dollars. 4½ surplus face feathers are calculated at 1 oz. 100 ditto ditto ditto 22⅕ oz. But custom makes 100 feathers count for 22 oz. without the fraction before mentioned. This explanation may give some idea of the mode of purchasing this article of commerce, which requires much practice and experience, before the purchaser will be free from imposition. There are but two or three persons at Mogodor who perfectly understand it, and the method of passing them at the custom-house.