Page 328 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

80 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OP THE PERSIAN OUI.F POLITICAL
residency
universally, though not of course exclusively, the ease, as Helds and small
patches of cane and grain arc to Imj seen in plnces. I have never seen
a hroad cultivated expanse of grain in Oman, though in the plains behind
Jelxd Akhdhar and in K1 Dlialiireh grain is said to be raised more ex­
tensively than in other parts. The state of agriculture is decidedly low.
I do not think wheat under the most favorable circumstances gives more
than twenty-fold ; there is a white variety called I lias much cultivated.
Jowuree and barley are the two next principal grains. Sugar-cane is also
a good deal grown, and a coarse sugar or goor is made from it. The
neighbourhoods of Zikki and Xezira produce most. As the annual
rainfall in Oman is extremely scanty, probably not exceeding in general
three to six inches, the inhabitants are unable to depend on it entirely,
and are necessitated to have recourse to artificial irrigation by means of
wells and fclojes. In the Batinah especially, and to some extent over
all Oman, wells supply the water which is raised by means of the bullock
and leathern bucket similarly to the system in Western India, but in Oman
and other parts are to be found those valuable conduits called “felej” by
the Arabs, which are exactly similar to the well-known Karczes of Persia
and were doubtless introduced by the Persians during their occupation of
the country. These felcjes are sometimes the property of the Ruler,
but generally belong to some wealthy individual or to a company.
Industrie*.—The industries of Oman are, as might be expected, few
and unimportant, and are almost exclusively carried on by foreigners. The
textile fabrics of the country arc colored turbans and loongics of silk
and cotton, worn by the Arabs, and largely exported to Yemen and
Zanzibar. Camclecus made at Xczwa. Brown cloth made of the brown
cotton called here Khodranj, and greatly worn and prized iu the country;
this i< also largely « xported. The weavers are of Persian descent, and
come from the neighbourhood of Sohar, chiefly being the descendants of
the old Persian conquerors and settlers. Coarse canvas for sails is also
extensively made on the Batinah Coast, and is cveu exported to Cutch.
Another industry is the preparation of dried dates called by the Arabs
Bisir. The export of these to India, where under the name of Kharak
they are a necessary ingredient at certain Hindoo festivities, exceeds even
that of pressed dates. The variety from which they arc chiefly prepared
is the MaseybiH, hut the Khameyzi is also sometimes employed. The
process observed is as follows: the dates are picked before they are quite
ripe, and put into copper cauldrons of boiling water, where they are
allowed to simmer for half an hour until a good deal of juice is extracted.
On Wing taken out they arc put in the sun for two or three days, and
continually turned until they are found to be quite dry and bard, when
they are packed for ex port in pcesh bags. Jjic water in the boilers. is
removed from time to time, as it inspissates by extraction of the juice
and evaporation, and put aside to be fermented into liquor. The earthen­
ware used in Oman is made in the country, aud potteries are to
be found in many places. The porous vessels or coojahs for cooling
water come only from Nakbl, the clay used being a bluish marl
mixed with sand. These porous vessels however are inferior to those
brought from Baghdad. The potter's wheel is the same as that used in
all ages and countries. Nczwa is famous for its manufacture of copper
vessels, and it appears to supply uearly all Oman with these articles. Iu