'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.' [‎642] (741/905)

642
DISTRICT OF 'OMAN.
[CHAP. XXIV.
about 200 bagalas trade to the shores of India, Africa, and
those of the two gulfs. 1
The country inwards is uninteresting and almost desert as
far as the camp of the Beni-Abu-Ali, and the ruined fort
which was destroyed by the troops under Sir Lionel Smith, in
1820. Scarcely eight miles north-westward are the Beni-Abu-
Hasan tribe, whose huts are placed beneath the foliage of
date and other trees at the commencement of Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Betha.
Wadis Betha This fine valley takes a north-westerly direction to Bedi'ah ;
and Bedi ah. an( j^ ow ing to the kanats, which convey water thither from
a distance often exceeding five miles, it has the most luxuriant
vegetation. The almond, fig, orange, lime, and date trees
attain perfection, amidst stately walnut-trees ; 2 and every kind
of fruit, grain and vegetable common to India, Persia and
Arabia, is to be found in the oasis of Bedi'ah. 3
The district of 'Oman begins at this place, and several cul-
Towns of ibrah tivated spots occur at intervals from thence to Ibrah, an old
and Minna. |- own w ith castellated houses, situated 22 miles N. 42° W. of
Bedi'ah. Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Betha continues in a north-western direction
to Semmed, another fertile spot; and scarcely 25 miles W. S.W.
of the latter is Minna. This town is situated amidst lofty
almond, citron, and orange trees, and is surrounded by fields
of corn and sugar-cane stretching for miles, 4 whilst the valleys
of Jebel to the northward produce stately chestnut-trees. The
district extends along the southern slope of the latter range
to Makinyat, and again on the opposite side along the coast
to the province of Jailan; it contains a remarkable tribe, the
Bern Rujam, an irascible, slothful and immoral race, given to
idleness and addicted to an immoderate use of wine at their
meals. 5 There are a few islands near the coast, amongst which
may be noticed Burka and two other islets to the north-west
of Sib; also Fahil island, close to Maskat. The latter town,
which is also called Meskiet, is situated at the eastern side of
aminlet forming an inner and an outer cove; which, although
partially exposed to the north-west winds, are sufficiently shel-
Lieutenant Wellsted, vol. VII., p. 104, of the Royal Geographical Journal.
s Ibid., p. 107. 3 Lieutenant Wellsted's Travels, vol. I., p. 308.
* Ibid. 5 Ibid., p. 142-144.