Page 249 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

210 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

CHAPTER XIV.

Tedious progress—Arab Bargains—Anecdote—Attempts at im­
position—Remedy—Honesty—Reflections—Mode of obtaining
a proper insight into Character—Quit Mushin—Ophthalmia—
Sheikh Nasser—Attempts to dissuade the Author from pro­
ceeding — Makiniyat — Arab Funerals — Green Mountains —
Solar Heat—Deresi —Shady Groves—General appearance of
the Sheikhs of Oman—A Contrast—Inhospitable Treatment—
The Wahhabis—Expectation of an affray—Prepare to quit
Obri.

Wednesday, March 9th. Our progress
through this part of the country is rendered

slow and tedious, in consequence of its being-
divided into separate districts, all in a manner
independent of each other, and acknowledg­
ing but slightly the power of any general
authority. As those who furnish camels for

their own district will not, nor would they be
permitted, to proceed further, it results that
on entering the frontier of another, we are

delayed to bargain for a fresh supply. This
business, which sometimes lasted for two or