Page 154 - PERSIAN 3 1883_1890

148 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OP THE PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL

PART IV.

TRADE.
Till: approximate statistics of trade showu in the annexed tables exhibit a general depres­
sion during the past year. The numerous insolvencies at Bombay and Zanzibar have had
an effect at Muscat, and several old-established firms have collapsed. The American date trade
is rising in importance and yearly increasing, but the keen competition that took place last
season resulted goncrally in a loss to the speculators. Tho particular sort of date required for
the American market is the "fard," and tho demand for it raised the value to such an extent
that the Arabs are now beginning to plant this kind in their gardens to the exclusion of
others. As regards imports, kerosine oil from America is being imported in largely-increased
quantities, but the Morikani sheetings, which had almost driven out tho Manchester, are now
being superseded by the Bombay productions.

Other articles of import have remained much the same, as the quantities required for an
unprogressive country vary but little from year to year.
'Oman was visited by unusually heavy floods of rain in February 1884, which have been
of great benefit, and the date crop of the ensuing season is expected to be above the
average.

Sr B. MILES, Lieutenant-Colonel,
II. B. MI* Political Agent and Contul, Muscat.

British Political Agkxct and Consulate,
Muscat, 0!k June l&S-i.