'Handbook of Mesopotamia. Vol. I. 1918' [‎260] (269/568)

260
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPOET
a small party are those at Hayyanlyeh, Hazil, Loqah, and Leinah,
and others within a radius of seventy miles from Ha'il. The forage
to be found is generally suitable only for camels. A limited quantity
of fuel is afforded by sparse and low vegetation. No supplies are to
be procured en route except such meat as may be obtainable in spring
time from herdsmen near the tracks. The Hajj caravan from Nejef
to Mecca passes through Ha'il. Small columns of Turkish regular
troops, 2,000-4,000 strong, have marched from Nejef or from
Samaweh to Ha'il (1903 and 1905); but on each occasion they had
been invited by the Emir of Ha'il, who provided guidance and
transport. Ha'il is connected with the Nejd (Eiyadh) by a fairly
easy and well-watered route passing through Ayun el-Qaslm,
Boreidah, Aneizah, and Shaqrah; some supplies at the three last-
named places.
The route from Boreidah via Hafar, Eiqa'i, and Koweit to Zobeir
and Basra (see {g) below) presents no serious difficulties. Water is
obtainable on most stages, as well as camel-grazing sufficient for
a small party, and a fair amount of fuel as far as Haleibah. No
supplies are to be found en route.
On the route from Zilfi to Koweit (see below) water is scarce;
it cannot be relied on between Artawlyeh and Safah, or between
Safah and Koweit, distances of over 100 miles : there is fair grazing
in places; fuel is very scarce. Zilfi is 48 miles east of Boreidah,
from which it is separated by a heavy sand-desert containing some
oases. Between Zilfi and Eiyadh there is a route which is good
going, and on which water is never far away; supplies also could
be obtained in small quantities.
On the route from Hofuf through Hasa to Koweit (see (?') below)
water is obtainable throughout, and is usually plentiful; forage is
usually good, especially in spring ; fuel generally from bushes or
brushwood ; a little wheat and barley at 'Nta. The track from Qatlf
to Koweit is little frequented, traffic between these places being
mostly by sea; the route is easy, and water is generally plentiful;
forage is generally sufficient for a small caravan ; fuel is scarce in
parts ; no supplies. From the ports of Qalif and 'Oqair routes
Hofuf afford the shortest and easiest passage to the Nejd, but the
country traversed is particularly unsafe.
For details of the above routes see vol. ii.
The following are approximate distances:
(a) Ha'il—Nejef.
(i) Via Hayyanlyeh and Loqah (about 357 miles). This route is
now used by the Hajj and good caravans.