Sallee, SALÉ, or SLA,

Sallee, SALÉ, or SLA, a seaport of Morocco, stands on the Atlantic, at the mouth of the Bu-Ragreb, on the northern side of the river, opposite to Rabat (q.v.). It was for centuries notorious as a haunt of pirates, and gave its name to the Sallee Rovers, who carried the terror of their name into the English Channel, and who are known to every reader of Robinson Crusoe. It is only within the 19th century that Britain ceased to pay an annual subsidy to the sultan of Morocco to secure safety from their attacks. The people, 10,000 in number, are still fanatical, and suffer no European to dwell within their walls. The streets are mean and poor, and the houses small. A wall surrounds the town, the chief features of which are forts and the prison. Excellent carpets are made, as well as shoes.