Page 440 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XXIV.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 401

Arab colours constantly trading to this port;

and beyond all, on account of their great num­
ber, the services of the native boats or bagalas,

some of which are upwards of 200 tons. The
port of Maskat might, in a short time, in the

hands of a skilful engineer, be made almost
impregnable. Its situation commands the

entrance to the Persian Gulf, and its har­
bours would offer shelter to any number of

ships.
Whenever Russia strikes a blow, it will be

done suddenly. We will not ask where this
is most likely to be aimed, our duty is rather

to guard every point to which it might be
directed. The ships of the Imam of Maskat

are constantly traversing the Persian Gulf.
But one or two small vessels of twelve or

eighteen guns are often the only force we
have there. What is there then to prevent

his squadron from forming a junction at some
preconcerted period with the Russians at

Basrah ? This might be effected long before
our naval force in India could be got together,

or even if well arranged, almost before intelli­
gence of such event could be conveyed to

head quarters. Nor should it be forgotten, at
vol. i. 2d