In order to cover as much ground as possible during the descent, we here agreed to take different directions, and lost sight of each other for some time. Hooker came upon a small mountain village, or hamlet, where several Bereber or Riffian families were crowded together in hovels built of mud mixed with stone, and rather better fitted to resist the weather than the sheds we had seen in the plain. Conversation was not practicable, but there was no indication of ill will on the part of these people. The only attempt at intercourse was on the part of one sturdy man who apparently requested a pinch of snuff, but declined the offer of a cigar. The use of tobacco for smoking appears to be unknown in Marocco, while _kief_—prepared from the chopped leaves of common hemp—is almost universally employed for that purpose both by Moors and Berebers; but snuff is in general request, and is imported in considerable quantities, both by regular traders and by smugglers who profit largely by the heavy duty. In descending the mountain we observed large patches of a species of furze, smaller and stiffer in habit than our common gorse—the _Ulex bæticus_ of Boissier—one of a group of nearly allied forms that replace our British species in the south of Spain and Portugal, and the neighbouring shores of Marocco. On rejoining our so-called escort, we agreed that the track was too steep to make riding pleasant; and thus we all descended on foot till near the foot of the mountain, when a proper care for their dignity compelled the soldiers and the guide to remount. We returned to our quarters in the town before the sun had set, and closed a very enjoyable day by reviewing our botanical prizes as we laid them into paper to undergo the first step in the process of their preservation. As usual the evening cigar accompanied our discussion as to future proceedings, and to its soothing influence we doubtless owe the fact that these debates always led to a satisfactory conclusion. On this occasion we agreed to divide our small party into two sections and separate for a few days. Maw was anxious to return at once to Tangier, with a view to visit some swamps that lie about ten miles south-west of the town, while Hooker and Ball were desirous of examining the coast between Tetuan and Ceuta. As it appeared that a small stock of Spanish would serve all necessary purposes in the excursion to Ceuta, Maw volunteered to take our disagreeable interpreter and one unnecessary soldier back to Tangier, while Bulbo was willing to risk a visit to the infidels at Ceuta. On the morning of the 12th Maw departed, but Hooker was unwell. It was decided that a quiet day and the judicious exhibition of moderate doses of cognac, which we owed to the kindness of the Spanish consul, would be the most appropriate treatment; and the result was quite satisfactory.