'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOL. III. PART I: A to K' [‎198r] (400/1278)

Tlie average monthly rainfall for the five years ending 31st December
1S06 was as follows :—
January ........
February. .......
March ........
April ........
May, June, July, August, September and October.
November .......
December .......
1 -23 at average 6 days per month.
0 73 „ „ 5 „ „
0'61 „ „ 5 „ „
0 45 „ „ 3 „ „
Nil.
1-72 at average 4 days per month.
2'58 ,, ,, 5 ,, , r „
During 1909-1912 th^ average annual rainfall was about 15 inches.
It will be seen from the above that most of the rainfall takes place in
November, December, January and February, which may be said to consti
tute the rainy season. These four months are intermittently stormy and
cold on shore, the sea being rough. It seldom actually freezes, but the ther
mometer occasionally falls almost to freezing point. Fires are almost a
necessity in December, January and February and welcome after sundown
until the end of March. In March and April the rainfall is usually in the
foim of brief showers, the sky remaining otherwise clear. The heat on the
high parts of the peninsula is less oppressive than in the town.
The best seasons for movements of troops through Bushire are (1) from
15th March to 30th April; (2) from 1st October to 30th November. From
May 1st till the beginning of October the heat of the first 60 miles from the
coast is excessive, while from December till February the cold on the
plateau is intense.
Prevailing winds. —The prevailing winds are the Shamdl or north-west,
and Kaus, which blows from the south-east. The former prevails at sea
for nearly nine months of the year, and blows very cold and boisterous in
the winter months, a Shamdl or “ Nor’-wester ” lasting usually three days.
The same wind blows almost incessantly during June and July, and though
then less violent, relieves the temperatur-e near the coast. At this season
it is called locally the “ 40 days’ winds. ”
Health. —The sanitary condition of Bushire is bad, for the soil is riddled
with cess-pools which are seldom cleaned out; yet the place is not unhealthy.
Malarial fever is the most prevalent disease amongst the native population.
Ophthalmia and other eye diseases are rife, caused by flies, dust glare, and
the insanitary habits of the people. Plague sometimes visits the place
during the early summer. In 1911 there were 118 cases and 97 deaths
between the end of April and beginning of July.
Population.— The inhabitants of the peninsula, exclusive of Bushire
town, number about 8,500 souls and belong to mixed tribes. For further
'particulars see under Bushire Town.
Resoukces. —For Trade see under Bushire town.
Water .—The water of the town is bad. Almost every house has a well
but the liquid which it yields is bitter ; about 10 per cent, of the houses are
provided with reservoirs. The better class obtain their drinking water from
Bahmani, Andar Bandar, Dahmiru and Bujikdan or Gunjashkdan, places
in the Peninsula at a considerable distance from the town ; but even this
water is slightly brackish and cannot be drunk with impunity by people
who are not accustomed to it. The present European ^p^iulation, usually,
Pt. I. ! R