'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎118] (227/496)

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mg of any that I had seen in Oman. Water was plentiful; the date
groves, which are very extensive, were in the best condition; and every
thing about looked green and healthy, forming a great contrast to the
other parts of the country that I had passed through. The scenery, too
was far superior, the surrounding country being very hilly, with small
fortifications on different heights; but all of them are in a sad state of di
lapidation, and none possess any artillery, except the citadel, and that
only boasted of two or three rust-eaten six pounders. Early the next morn
ing left Sumaiyel. My guides were not at all pleased with the Beloochee
Governor, because he had not furnished a very sumptuous supper the
preceding evening, though, considering his means,—his pay not being
more than twenty dollars a month,—I thought our entertainment very
good. I was sorry to find that my guides on all occasions were very
greedy, as, when anything superior, such as sweetmeats, was supplied
us by the people through whose district we passed, they were not satis
fied with what tney eat at the time, but invariably, when an opportunity
of doing so without detection offered, pocketed as much as they could,
notwithstanding my remonstrances against such conduct. Throughout
the day s journey the country was very hilly, with date groves here and
there. A little before sunset put up for the night in a small village about
nine miles from Meskat: this was the only place where the slightest
inhospitality was shewn me during the journey, the natives declaring
that they could neither give or sell us any kind of food—not so much as
a little i ice, or a cup of coffee, but were anxious that we should proceed,
by declaring that there was a large village a little further on, where
everything in abundance might be procured; but, in consequence of a
fall from my camel in the afternoon, which had stunned me, I was in no
condition to travel more that day, so that I was determined to abide here
for the night. My guides did not approve of this resolution by any
means, as they did not at all relish the idea of going to bed with empty
stomachs. Being very much knocked up I soon fell asleep, and on
aw aking about tw o hours after, I was greatly surprised to find a goodly
supper of rice and meat, with a large bowl of milk, placed before me. On
enquii ing how this came to pass, in a place where at first things had ap
peared so unfavorable, I learnt that my guides, hearing that a woman,
whose husband was in Government employ at Meskat, resided in the
village, repaired to her with the information that a sick “ Ingleez > had
arriv ed, and w as \ ery much in want of some refreshment, for which H
era payment w ould be given. The appeal was not in vain, for she set
a 0ut P re P a ™g supper forthwith, but rejected all offers of money. F° r '