But the
porters of Constantinople, who never drink any thing stronger
than water, and eat very little animal food, will lift and carry
heavier burthens than any other porters in the known world. If we
may believe the most respectable travellers, a Turk will carry a
load of seven hundred weight, which is more (I believe) than any
English porter ever attempted to carry any length of way.
Among the refreshments of these warm countries, I ought not to
forget mentioning the sorbettes, which are sold in coffee-houses,
and places of public resort. They are iced froth, made with juice
of oranges, apricots, or peaches; very agreeable to the palate,
and so extremely cold, that I was afraid to swallow them in this
hot country, until I found from information and experience, that
they may be taken in moderation, without any bad consequence.
Another considerable article in house-keeping is wine, which we
have here good and reasonable. The wine of Tavelle in Languedoc
is very near as good as Burgundy, and may be had at Nice, at the
rate of six-pence a bottle. The sweet wine of St. Laurent,
counted equal to that of Frontignan, costs about eight or nine-pence
a quart: pretty good Malaga may be had for half the money.
Those who make their own wine choose the grapes from different
vineyards, and have them picked, pressed, and fermented at home.
