Page 402 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XXII.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 363

The Bedowins who traverse the frontiers
of Oman, as well as those who occupy the
intermediate space between the oases, have

lost none of that attachment to a wandering
life which characterises them in other parts

of Arabia. It is true they acknowledge the
authority of the Imam, since their chiefs se­
cure presents by doing so, and nothing can

be gained by pursuing an opposite course ;
but the obedience which is conceded to him

does not exceed that rendered by the several
minor Sheikhs to a great Sheikh, or “ Sheikh
of Sheikhs.” He can, as with the agricultu­

ral class, command their services during war;
but in peace they pursue, without any inter­

ference from him, their own nomadic and
pastoral habits. Aware of the power which
they would obtain over them, could the Be­

dowins be fixed in towns and villages, or their
attention be turned to agricultural pursuits,

every encouragement has been offered by the
Imams to induce them to change their habits,
nor have they been wholly unsuccessful.

Impure air, irregular diet, and other
causes, increase the consumption of life

within cities, while the labourers who cul­