'Field notes: Mesopotamia. General Staff, India. February, 1917.' [‎119v] (245/350)

Route No. 27 — contd.
it is palatable and not brackish; fit for drinking if boiled or
chlorinated; the water of the wells is clear and neither brackish
nor sulphurous; fit for drinking if chlorinated.
The next water found is at Sahul, it is _ muddy but not
brackish or sulphurous; fit for drinking if chlorinated.
At Hassan Abu Tarabah water is obtainable by digging in
the bed of the Dujailah.
Grazing and Supplies .—From Hirdabah onwards to the
end of the stage grazing is good and sheep are plentiful.
Stage 2 .—From Hassan Abu Tarabah there are 3 possible
Routes. •
(a) To Bujaiyar.
(b) Direct to Maraibah.
(c) To Qalat Abd and Maddinah.
Of these (a) is the best provided the pool of water located
at Bujaiyar in May and September, 1916, is still in existence.
This pool, on above dates was 200 yards broad, 3 feet deep
and contained good water.
(b) From Hassan Abu Tarabah to Maraibah Wells where the
first water is found entails a march of 17 miles.
(c) Water is obtainable by digging at Madainah a march
of 12 miles from Hassan Abu Tarabah.
Stage 3 :—
(a) Bujaiyar to Hai via Maraibah . . 12 miles.
(b) Maraibah to Hai * . . .7 ,.
(c) Madainah to Hai 12 ,,
Two big nullahs have to be crossed in this stage.
B. ’Ali Gharbi to Qal’at Sikkar.
Arab estimate of distance 65 miles.
Stages.
1. ’Ali Gharbi to the Dujailah half way. Wells as in A.