'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎632] (729/905)

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wiDi SCHERAN.
[CHAP. XXIV.
The district of El Haryk, which is one day and a-half
south -eastward of Yemameh, is about 90 miles from east to
west, and nearly 40 from north to south, and at the latter
extremity it touches Rhoha-el-Khali. It contains Naim, El
Hebrah, El Malka, El Hulah, and El Haryke, the principal
place ; but the tract itself is almost unknown.
Near the south-western extremity of Nedjd, on the borders
of Hijaz, is the tract called El Bakarra; southward of this
is Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Taslys, and again, a little farther, Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Sobeyh, a
district extending for about 80 miles along the eastern side of
the great chain, with a breadth of about 20 miles. It con
tains, near its south-eastern limits, the towns of Ranyeh and
Tabala', and, almost at the north-western extremity, that of
Taraba. The latter is a considerable place, as large as Tai'f,
and remarkable for the abundance of its dates. The town is
walled, flanked with towers, and situated in the midst of well-
watered palm groves and gardens, at the northern extremity of
Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Sobeyh. 1
Eastward and north-eastward, from its borders to those of
Rhoba-el-Khali, is the fertile district of Scheran, extending,
in an oval shape, north and south. Towards the latter extre
mity is Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Scheran, a spacious valley, with many branches
falling into it and, at the opposite is Bische, the capital,
of The town is defended by a strong castle situated in a broad
valley of the same name, which extends six or eight hours,
and abounds with rivulets, wells and gardens. Being on the
principal route between Nedjd and Yemen, Bische is con
sidered to be the military key of the latter province. The
houses are better than those of Taif, but are detached from
one another, and are scattered over a considerable tract. The
castle is strong and substantial, with a ditch and lofty walls. 2
On the north-eastern border are the plains occupied by the
Beni Kaktan, perhaps the most ancient tribe existing, 3 and on
aser. the south-eastern side, the tract called Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Dowaser. The
latter contains, towards the northern limits. El Seleyel and
El Farah, and towards the south, Mehallet-el-Hatatbeh, El
1 Burckhardt's Travels in Arabia, vol. IL, p. 383.
Ibid., p. 384 • 3 Ibid.