'Handbook of Arabia. Vol II. 1917' [‎52] (56/542)

52
COMMUNICATIONS
The direct road from Mecca to Ta'if is described as Route No. 38.
The first part of it conducts the annual pilgrimage to 'Arafat, and
forms a well-beaten track, paved for a short distance in the neigh
bourhood of Mina (Muna). At about mid-way, the route meets
the great natural barrier of Jebel Qora, the ascent of which cannot
be made by camels, loads being transported to the summit by
mules and asses. Beyond, it offers no physical difficulties and is
a descending track most of the way. The Seil route to Ta'if,
referred to above and given briefly in the following chapter as an
alternative, is much longer, but practicable for camels throughout.
Supplies. Water is abundant throughout the direct road and
exceptionally good along some of the stages ; fodder and fuel may
be obtained ; other supplies (with the exception of fruits and such
small commodities as may be found at coffee-shops) are only to be
had at Mecca and Ta'if. As to supplies along the alternative,
little information is available, though water and fodder appear
to be plentiful along the first half of the route at least ; but of
general supplies there are none.
Of tracks connecting Hejaz with Yemen, that along the coast
has been dealt with already (see Route No. 36). Two others, inland,
are more travelled when the Ottoman Power is sufficiently strong
to_ secure passage through Asir. Of these, one route, starting from
Ta'if, follows the Hajj caravan road from Mecca to San'a; the
section between Ta'if and Ibha is described under Route No. 44,
while that between Ibha and San'a, via Ibal, is described under
Route No. 59. It has not yet been traversed by any European
except from Khamir to San'a, and appears to lie largely through
mountainous country in the southern section, and through hilly
desert country farther north, but it is practicable all the way for
camels and donkeys. The other, and more northerly inland route,
also starting from Ta'if, runs to Bishah, from which point it follows
the track of Route No. 59 to San'a. Its first section, from Ta'if
to Bishah, is here described under alternative forms as Route
No. 39 the first alternative is apparently an easy caravan route,
since it was traversed by the Sherif's force in 1911, and the second
alternative by a force of 12,000 men in 1834.
Supplies. }\ ater is fairly plentiful throughout, except in the
section between Liyah and Bisal, which, according to Tamisier, is
waterless ; forage appears to be ample around many of the halting-
places, and there is much fuel throughout ; grazing is good, as
there is a large pastoral population ; supplies of cereals and dates
are obtainable at Turabah 'Aqiq, and Thaniyah in particular,
besides at Ta'if and Bishah