'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎103] (212/496)

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country. Our road at this part skirted a ravine which had apparently
been a water-course, continuous with the Khore at Soor. On arriving at
its termination we took the following bearings:—Jibel Menkab, S. E. ^-E.;
Jibel Minarf, E. by S. At about 8 P. M. we took up our quarters for the
night in a small enclosure of trees, within a short distance of the camel-
track. We were visited by two men of the Beni-boo-Ali tribe, who were
passing on their way to Soor. A heavy dew fell during the night, wet
ting our bedding completely through.
At daylight we were awakened by the guides, who had lighted a fire
from the dried wood about us, it being exceedingly cold, and having par
taken of breakfast, consisting of dates &c., spread on a greasy sheepskin
for a tablecloth, we mounted the camels and pursued our route in a
south-westerly direction. At about 8 o’clock we reached a well, where
we replenished our skins, and performed our oblutions in the best way
we could. The country hereabouts presented nothing of particular inter
est, being very hilly, and here and there interspersed with stunted trees.
We passed several flocks of sheep, tended by women, and attempted to
strike a bargain, but in vain, as they would sell none but the very worst
of the flock at a very unreasonable price.
At about 11 o’clock we halted in Wadee Talif, and here our guides
procured a sheep, which they killed and dressed in a very original style,
first cutting the meat from the bones, and grilling it, with the intestines,
upon stones previously heated in the fire. Three men of the Beni-boo-Ali
tribe joined us, and partook of the good cheer. At about 3. p. m. w r e re
sumed our route in the same direction, and over the same description of
country, and halted for the night in Wadee Biah, the greasy sheepskin
being again in requisition.
On the following morning we pursued our way in a W. S. Westerly di
rection. The country, as we approached the district of Jahlan, pre
sented a more fertile appearance, the trees becoming more numerous, and
of a larger growth, and the soil of a finer description. Several wild asses
came within shot of us, and after staring for some time, took to their
heels, running with considerable swiftness. As we gained the summit of a
hill overlooking the valley of Jahlan, we descried the town of the Beni-
boo-Hassan tribe about three miles distant, surrounded by groves of date
trees, these being the first we had seen since our departure from Soor. The
great hill of Jahlan is about seven miles distant from the town, although,
from its immense size, it does not appear so distinct.
On approaching the mud wall which encloses a portion of the town,
we were met by several of the tribe, who conducted us into the town,