'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.' [‎569] (660/905)

CHAP. XXII.]
WINDS AND NAVIGATION.
569
gums, gold dust, and timber, which are obtained after selling. Trade of the
or more generally bartering their cargoes; these last consist Gulf '
of coffee, spices, horses, dates, and occasionally pearls. The
last form, however, a distinct branch of trade; and though
less valuable now than formerly, the writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. had an opportunity
of ascertaining, in 1836, that it produced more than 30 lacs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees
of rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. , or upwards of 300,000/., which probably is a fair
average of the yearly value. 1
From April to August, the winds are from the N.W., that Prevailing
is, down the Gulf, sometimes blowing a fresh gale for about wind8 '
three days, but principally pleasant breezes with a portion of
light winds. 8 In part of August, September, and October,
there are winds from all quarters, but chiefly from the N.W.,
with light airs and calms. 3 During the remaining months
the winds are variable, from N.W. to S.E., occasionally blow
ing fresh, but generally with moderate force ; and land and
sea breezes 4 are sometimes felt.
In the central parts, and even along the eastern side of the
Gulf, the navigation is sufficiently easy; but the survey by the
Indian navy has shown that along the whole of the western
coast rocks interspersed with some islands prevail; and one of
the latter, Pheleche, shelters the harbour of Grane. Souths islands,
ward are Khubbah, Guttart, Garrow, and Omahnaradam,
with a coast almost unnavigable for nearly 80 miles south
eastward, or as far as the Hargose, Farsey, and other islands
composing Biddulph's group; and from hence shoals and
pearl-banks extend eastward to Bahrein.
Besides the well-known pearl-fishery, which will elsewhere Fresh-water
be noticed more fully, this island is remarkable for pure fresh- gea! ng8 in the
water springs in the sea, one of which gushes up with great
force through a sandy bottom at the depth of three fathoms.
This fine water rises in great abundance, and the divers,
chiefly women, fill with it the vessels (skins) which they
bring for the purpose. It is remarkable that the quality of
this necessary of life, which is obtained in and near the sea,
1 Lieutenant Wellsted says 40 lacs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees annually, or about 400,000?.—Vol. I.,
p. 265, Travels in 'Omdn, &c.
s Remarks by the late Lieutenant Bowater, I.N. 8 Ibid. 4 Ibid.
VOL. I. 4 D