'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎219] (392/524)

FROM HAS JASHK TO BASRAH.
219
also submit whether the cables should not be laid from Ras as Sheikh
towards Bu-shehr, so as to ensure a head wind to prevent too great
speed, and to aid in stopping if required.
Coal Depot .—I have not been able to overlook the probability of
centralizing our depots in the Gulf. I think Khasab Bay the best site
for if, as a place accessible by sailing ships, which no place within the
inlet is ; it would be inconvenient for the ships of the Gulf’s squadron
to have to round the quoins to fetch coal, as they would have to do
were it in Ghubbet Ghazireh. Khasab affords also a safe anchorage
with moderate depths.
In Hanch Cove there is sufficient available ground for storing the
coal.
If a station in Ghubbet Ghazireh be preferred, the long low point
called Ras Neid is a convenient place ; ships could lie in smooth water
on its western side within a few yards.
Khor as Shem is quite unfit for the purpose, it is awkward to enter
even in a steamer, from its tortuous channel.
There is no peculiarity about the observed temperature of the sea
water sufficient to call for any special remark.
This portion sent to Bombay per “ Johnston Castle,” 2nd February
1868, also to Constantinople 11 th idem, copy with verbal emendations
(Signed) A. W. Stiffe,
Lieutenant Indian Navy.
Part Second.
Fail to Basrah '—In continuation of my report of date 2 nd
February, I have now to offer the following observations on the
route for the land line between Fail and Basrah. This has been tia-
versed by Mr. Greener and myself on horseback, excepting from Fan
to Maamer, which was impossible, owing to the heavy rain and vaij -
high tides.
General Bemarks .—The difficulties of tire line appear to me to be
rather due to the nature of the Arabs than to any absolute physical
obstacle. The whole of the country, as is well known, is a plain m
alluvial clay, very soft when wetted, and drying in the sun to almost
the consistency of brick. No stone of any kind is to be seen anv