Page 278 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XV.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 239

superior to any part of Oman, and almost
equal to that of Nejd, which is everywhere

extolled as the finest in Arabia.
From Dibha to Ras Mussendon, together

with that extent of hilly country included
within the bifurcation of the main range and

the sea, the whole space appears to be bar­
ren, and generally destitute of water. That

obtained near the sea-coast is indifferent and
brackish; and the lonely clumps of palms,

which occasionally peep forth from some se­
cluded nook or hollow, when contrasted with

the bleak and sombre appearance of the
hills, afford, by their verdant hue, a pleasing

contrast. A scanty sprinkling of grass in
the sandy beds of the valleys, and a few

aromatic herbs and shrubs peculiar to the
Desert, furnish but indifferent pasturage to

the numerous flocks of goats which are
everywhere met with. The Euphorbia Tiruc-

calla, or milk bush, is also found here, grow­
ing out of the fissures of the rock. Notwith­
standing the peculiarly acrid nature of the

juice of its leaves, which is sufficient to ex­

coriate any part of the skin on which it may
be placed, the goats and camels feed thereon