'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎210] (383/524)

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21' j report on the line of telegraph
would have to be brought from Kbasab, about 6 miles distant; neither
are any supplies obtainable-
Objections to this site.-The greatest objection to this site is
doubtless its land-locked position being so much shut in from
the “ Shemal” (the prevailing wind) by higher mountains near
Khasab, and by the great peak called Jebel Shem. The heat
during the summer months would from this cause I fear be insup-
portable*
Proposed to have the Repeating Station quite distinct.—Mr.
Greener informs me, it is not in his opinion a sine qua non, that
the station should be at the Isthmus, but that the cable could be
1 anded a second time at the station, working through the short land
line at the former place* If this be considered unobjectionable, the
projecting promontory called Ras as Sheikh offers considerable advan
tages. It rises in a gradual slope from its Northern extreme, to a
height of over 2,000 feet, and the crest of the ridge is quite open to
the “ Shemal,” which here blows WSW., the question of height above
the sea being limited practically only by the difficulty of transporting
.supplies. An ample supply of excellent water is obtainable at a short
distance. Khasab, whence the supplies would have to be obtained, is
only 3 miles off. Khasab Bay being sheltered from the prevailing
winds, the land line on the Isthmus could be visited at any time in an
open boat, distance by sea 8 miles. The spot selected by us seems to
be an eligible one. It is about half a mile above the village of A1
Haraf, and about 1,000 feet above the sea (see Plan), and is sufficiently
elevated and open to the sea breeze, without being inconveniently far
from the wells, &c.
Wells. —The wells whence the A1 Haraf people get their water are in
a small cove called Eideh, at the bottom of a ravine running down from
the village, and distant about a mile. It lies on the seaward face of the
promontory, and the water is excellent; we were assured the supply
was never exhausted, or the water brackish. The foot path from the
village to it is very practicable, even at present. There are wells of
equally good water also at A1 Hanch the place next mentioned.
Cable to be landed at Al Hanch Cove. —The small cove at A1 Hanch
affords a smooth landing place for the cable; it has a fine sandy beach,
with a large grove of date and other trees, and, as above stated, good