'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎78] (243/524)

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78 REMARKS ON THE TRIBES, &c.
143. Yet the little creek that leads from the town steps to the
main river, if unwholesome, was still very welcome. The apricot and
almond in full blossom, hanging bonnily over the hedges, called back
the apple and the cherrytree gladdening the orchard and greeting the
road side, in a country where" these objects were something more to
us than to the passing foreign employe. 1
144. I may perhaps be expected to offer a remark or two upon the
prospects that any extension of the present steam communication
through the Gulf would have. I infer that the present line pays well,
and that the steamers running from Busreh to Baghdad also pay.
Having had occasion to visit Busreh with part of my establishment by
the mail steamer, I found her first class accommodation all occupied,
and was glad to be permitted sitting and dining room in the orlop deck
forward. I calculated that the receipts for that upward trip of twelve
days, steaming from Bombay to Busreh, must have been 45,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. ;
and from what I subsequently learned, that her return trip must have
brought in 30,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. .
145. I think that sorae descriptions of goods would readily avail
themselves of steam communication along this line ; such for instance
as hales of shawls and other costly packages, also copper and stores. I
further presume, that a considerable passenger traffic is waiting, and
might he indefinitely increased by the supply of means. Merchants
would gladly pay a higher passage money to save their time, and be in
advance of their coming goods. A wealthy and numerous class of Ma-
homedans seek Baghdad, Kurbella, and Nejd for purposes of religion
and pleasant residence. The numbers of this class would doubtless
augment were the ease and rapidity of the journey to become known
and appreciated.
146. But my suggestion to any merchants embarking in this enter
prise would he, to render their arrangements from the first public and
definite, and as convenient as may be to all parties concerned.
14/. Let them publish as early as practicable their probable dates
of arrivals and departures, and then adhere to these. If it once be
comes the general notion that the steamer will wait, Oriental traders will
certainly dally, and then either the Company must lose their cargo or
lose their time.