'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎121] (288/524)

PORTION OF THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
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The disease next in frequency is rheumatism, hut that is more prevalent
at this season of the year than at any other.
The drinking water is slightly brackish, but very much better than
that commonly used in Bushire. The best wells are about half a mile
south of the town.
During the hot weather the nights are said to be always cool, and
during the day the hot dry blast of the desert is tempered in its transit
over the bay. Indeed, the fact that amongst the wealthier classes here
there is no Serdaul or underground room as in Baghdad, and no Areesh
or open room on the roof, as in Bushire, show^s that the climate is much
more temperate than at either of those places.
March 7th .—It was our intention to have left Koweit in the early
morning, and our vessel was to have been launched with the midnight
tide. But by some mistake she ^as still high and dry on the beach.
And the good old Sheik was so vexed, that he sat the whole forenoon
on the shore watching the rising of the w r ater, and sent word as soon as
the boat w T as floating. We left at 12 o’clock. The size of the vessel
was about 40 tons. Wind ENE. We sailed for the mouth of the
Khore, between the Island of Boobian and the mainland, 330 steered
E,, Peleechee town bearing ESE. A bank called Subea to the North
ward of us. A low island called Meschan right ahead. The Khore wInch
we wish to enter N. by W. of us; anchored 7 p. m. ; set sail 12-30
midnight; passed the Kaser Subea on the mainland at the entrance of
Khore. This Kaser Subea is a mere square enclosure belonging to the
Sheik of Koweit, and uninhabited. Direction of the Khore here N.
and about one mile and a half broad.
March Sth .—Vfind Northwvest strong. General direction of the
Khore North-west by North. The wind is blowing a moderate gale,
and but for a strong tide running up, we should be unable to make any
thing. Blowever, with the assistance of the two tides we have got to
the top of Boobian Island. The portion of the Khore passed to-day is
a good mile broad all along, and we never got less than 5| fathoms in
the middle. There are a good many boulders, especially along the
Eastern shore. The rising tide covers both banks for some distance
inland, so as to make them swampy. Beyond is a sandy waste impreg
nated with salt, and here and there a few tufts of brushwood. There
is only one place where a landing can be conveniently effected, and
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