Once when travelling in the desert, a spot was pointed out to us as being the abode of Jinns and Genii. This spot is much abhorred by the muleteers, as they believe that any one camping on that ground is liable to be overtaken by a terrible death. The enchanted ground is encircled by some landmarks, and it is said that any one going to sleep within that magic circle will at once be visited by the Jinns inhabiting the spot, who will immediately come and suck his blood till he is dead. CHAPTER IX MANNERS AND SUPERSTITIONS IN MOSUL Characteristics of inhabitants of Mosul--Social habits--Love of drink--An effectual cure--Gambling--Tel Kaif: a story of Uncle Goro--The Angel of Death and other titles--Difficulties over name and age--Some superstitions--Effect of scent on women--Birds of good omen--Thieves--Sheep-killing--Sheikh Matti--An angel's visit--Medical superstitions--Cure for hydrophobia. "Nothing has more effect upon the mob than superstition." Quintus Curtius. "To be superstitious is a crime." Anon. "Sickness and sorrow come and go, but a superstitious soul hath no rest." R. Burton. The natives of Mosul are, as a rule, a very simple-hearted folk. They are easily amused, easily taken in, and as easily roused to passion. They are, on the whole, good-tempered and patient, and, considering the absolute lack of self-control in their method of bringing up, they give way far less to their passions than might be expected. They dearly love social habits, and spend much time in company, telling and listening to stories, smoking, and drinking coffee. Unfortunately, they do not confine their drink to coffee, and these social habits often lead to a great deal of drinking. Arak is the favourite refreshment at these times, and is indulged in by both Christian and Moslem alike. It is a pure spirit, and is made by the Christians and Jews of Mosul, and sold by them to the Moslems. No ceremony is complete without the arak bottle. At weddings, funerals, dinner parties, at each and every season of life, it is thought necessary to provide this fire-water. I am sorry to say that the women also drink, but not to such an extent as the men.