"دليل الجزيرة العربية المجلد II" [‎١‎٤‎٠‎١] (٦٨٨/٤٦٢)

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'OMAN SULTANATE
sandiness; the Hajar districts are rocky and mountainous; Ruus-al-Jibal consists en-
tirely of rugged and precipitous hills. Springs and streams abound in the hilly districts
of Ja'alan; but in Batinah the supply of water depends entirely on wells, and wells
are found to some extent in 'Oman Proper and Sharqtyah. Many of the springs of
"Oman have a high temperature.
The two largest valleys of 'Oman are Wadi Samail and Wadi Halfain which rise on
opposite sides of the same pass. Wadi Samail reaches the Gulf of 'Oman at Sib; it is
a main seat of population and date culture and the chief highway between coast and
interior. The course of Wadi Halfain is southwards ; it carries the drainage of all tho
inland districts except Dhahirah to the Indian Ocean at Mahot and is the longest valley
in all 'Oman.
Climate.—The summer climate of Oman is intensely hot, and Masqat is said to be one
of the hottest towns in the world, but it cannot be said to be unhealthy. During 1912
the highest temperature recorded was 114° Fahr. and the lowest 64° Fahr: in 1913 the
highest temperature was 110° Fahr. and the lowest 69°. The high temperatures are
due to the hot winds, which at certain times in the summer months, and generally only
for a few hours at night, blow from the Arabian deserts and barren rocks round Masqat.
For the greater part of the summer owing to the high state of humidity, of the atmos
phere in combination with a hightemperature, the climate is very trying. From Xovem-
ber to the middle of March the weather is distinctly pleasant, but fails to be bracing as
the temperature seldom falls below 60° Fahr.
As at Masqat, the climate'of the sea-coast generally, owing o its humidity, is relaxing
and oppressive except in the coldest months. The Batinah is much cooler in summer,
especially at night, than the rocky coastal tract of it in which Masqat lies ; the months
of May, June, and July are healthy there, but fever begins with the date harvest. Many
of the towns and districts at some elevation on the coastal side of the Hajar watershed
while open to the sea -breeze, are shut off by the range from the hot desert winds, and
enjoy a fresh and temperate climate. In the interior the summer heat is oppressive,
but in winter cold and wet weather is sometimes encountered.
The ordinary rainfall in'Oman varies between 3 and 6 inches, but occasionally violent
storms accompanied by floods devastate the country; on the 4th and 5th of Juno
1890, during a cyclone, it rained continuously for twenty-four hours, during which
11^ in. fell. The rainfall at Masqat averages 4 inches only, and it fe due to this fact that
the place may be considered a fairly healthy tropical port, provided ordinary precautions
are taken to purify the drinking water by boiling or filtration, and to protect oneself
from mosquitoes, which are numerous in the town during the winter months and cause
a considerable amount of malaria among the natives. In 1912 and 1913 there were no
cases of cholera or plague ; in the latter year small-pox occurred at Matrah, Sidab, and
to a less extent at Masqat, and there were six cases of blackwater fever of, which two
were fatal.
Wild flora and fauna.— The natural vegetation of the country is sparse and stunted
and wood of large growth is not found even in the highest hills. Mimosa, acacia, tama
risk and ber are among the commonest trees. Grass is not abundant.
Fauna are correspondingly poor. The wild mammals of the country include the
Masqat gazelle or Dhabi, common all over 'Oman in suitable localities; the Marica
gazelle or Rim, which is rare except on the edge of the Ruba'-al-Khali; the Beatrix
oryx or Bansolah, which is brought in by nomads from the desert; Jayakar's wild goat,
a kind of Tahr—in Arabic called Wa'al; also a lynx of which the species is doubtful.
There are besides hares, jackals and foxes ; the existence of leopards has not been
established. Among the birds are the bustard {Houbara Macqueeni), grey partridge,
francolin, sisi, sandgrouse and quail.
Agricultural prodt/ds.—-Cultivated trees and crops are more plentiful and varied than
vegetation of natural growth. The principal tree and staple of agriculture is the date,
of which some very fine varieties are grown ; it flourishes everywhere, even in almost
inaccessible valleys among the hills and at a height of over 2,000 feet; the extensive date
plantations are a striking feature of the landscape, especially in Batinah, Wadi Samail
and Sharqiyah. 'Other fruit trees more or less common are the plantain, mango, pome
granate, quince, sweet and bitter lime, olive and almond; and the walnut, fig, vine, and
mulberry flourish in Jabal Akhdhar. Cereals are wheat, barley, maize, millet, and
C52(w)GSB