Darha, Province

1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri.

Darha, a Province of Biledulgerid in Africa, with a Town and River of that Name, betwixt the Kingdoms of Morocco, Tesset and Segelmesse. It is divided into Darha Proper, Itata, and Taffalet. The King of the last Division is also King of the rest, which have been often subjected to the Xeriffs of Fez and Morocco. The Inhabitants do almost all dwell upon the River, and raise Banks to hinder its Inundations in the Winter, tho' in the Summer they can pass it on foot. It begins to increase on the First of April, and waters the whole Country. When its Inundations are great, then they have a Plentiful Harvest; but otherwise, it is very small. The Palm-trees make the principal Revenue of this Province, because their Dates are excellent and very great, and keep longer than others. Those Trees are planted so as the Male may be near the Female; for the Males bear only Flowers, but the Females Fruit: But to make them good, it's said, That when they are in the Blossom, a sprig of the Male-Flower must be graffed into them, which makes the Dates larger, and of a better taste. There are many Jews, both Tradesmen and Merchants in this Country, particularly Goldsmiths: Here is great Store of Indico for Dyers. They keep great Flocks of Ostriches, which have fine Feathers, black, white, and sometimes grey; but their Flesh is not good to Eat. Marmol. de l' Afric, l. 7.