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ххи] Consuls 133 remains in the room, but the dragomans conduct the Digdaban to the door, walking close to him as though to support his arms. A few days later the visit is returned by the consul and his colony with the same forms as are observed towards a Governor, except that his janissaries do not wear the high cap, but their usual turban. The Digdaban or Qazi must not keep the consul waiting his entry, as a Governor or Pasha would do. If the archbishop of Cyprus visits Larnaca he calls first on the consul, who returns his visit with the forms observed towards the Governor. I may explain that the term divan (or sofa) is used in the East of certain parts of the hall raised one or two palms from the ground and covered with rugs : all round are mattresses three braccia broad, covered with calico or other stuffs, and against these are set pillows, at least two braccia long and one high, also encased in stuff. On these the Turks sit to talk, to eat and often to sleep. The word divan means also a council-hall, or room for public meetings. Consuls in the Levant must watch carefully the state of health in the countries where they reside, and in those adjoining, and on the slightest suspicion of the plague to advise the government which they represent, and to note the fact on the bills of health of vessels sailing for Europe. The least negligence on this point is inexcusable. They must note too on the bills of health when the country is clean, and how long it has been so. There are now only three consuls in Cyprus. Those of France and Venice, as well as their chancellors, are forbidden to trade. The English consul is in this respect perfectly free. Upon the death of a consul, chancellor, dragoman or merchant, the consular ensign is hoisted at half mast : notice being sent to the other consuls, who do the same, and with their colonies accompany the funeral to the church. At

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