'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎117] (226/496)

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Governor and three of his friends, set out from Nuswee, and at 10.30
A. m. stopped at a small village (Fark) to breakfast, which was prepared
in the mosque, when we again proceeded on our journey, and about two
hours after reached a large village (Berkee) situated between hills, with
a large building surrounded by a wall to the westward, and to the east
ward a date grove, distant about ten miles from Nuswee : here we came
to a halt, a carpet being spread under a tree for our accommodation. As
this was the place where I was to part with my kind host, he insisted
that I should spend the remainder of the day with him : it was therefore
arranged, that, as I had no time to spare, my delay during the day should
be made up by setting off immediately after the evening meal. The in
habitants of this village appeared to be in very good circumstances, and
all were desirous that I should prolong my visit. A short time after sunset
sat down to smoking dishes of rice and goat flesh, with liberal supplies
of milk for drinking. I was placed by the side of the Governor, an ex
tra dish of five wheaten cakes, soaked in ghee and sugar, being prepared
for our particular gratification. Directly after coffee took leave of the
worthy old Governor, who expressed great hopes of seeing me again : his
friends, however, still accompanied me (one was his brother-in-law,) on
account of the natives of this part of the country being very suspicious
of strangers, particularly of Bedouins. Travelled till midnight, when we
halted for the night at a travellers’ bungalow in a village named Mettee.
Most places in Oman have a building set apart solely for the use of tra
vellers. On awaking the next morning found several of the inhabitants
seated around a blazing fire with my companions, and soon after an ex
cellent breakfast was provided by the Sheik of the village; after which
the journey was again resumed, one hour and three quarters bringing
us to a valley inhabited by the “ Beni Buwahi” and “ Beni Yaber.” At
11a. m., one hour after entering the valley, alighted at the Sheik’s house.
Here my friends from Yus wee left me, a son of the Sheik’s taking their
place. After coffee, remounted, and at 4.45 p. m. reached “ Sumaiyel,”
having travelled since the morning about twenty miles. This valley,
known by the name of (i Waddy Beni Kuwahie,” is about fourteen miles
in length, and generally very stony. The first part is narrow, but opens
out gradually, with date groves throughout, protected by towers on the
neighbouring hills on either side of the valley, and is in consequence con
sidered almost unassailable by the Bedouins.
13. On arriving at Sumaiyel, took up my quarters in a large room just
outside the principal fort, where the Governor (a Beloochee) resides.
This I found to be a place of considerable extent, and the most flourish-