Page 70 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

III.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 31

as at this spot. The huge hulk of a seventy-

four, and several scarcely less heavy frigates,
with their spreading yards and lofty spars,

are perfectly lost beneath the first range of
what would otherwise appear low and insig­

nificant hillocks.
After rounding the cape which forms the

north-western extremity of the cove, we enter
the neighbouring bay of Matarah, and pass a

pretty town, situated on one of those low
nooks which form a distinguishing feature in

the scenery of this part of the world. Be­
tween the houses and the margin of the sea,

so as to form a neat-looking promenade and
landing-place, there is a broad belt of light­

coloured sand, which extends to the bold,
gloomy cliffs overhanging either extremity of

the town. The cove faces the prevailing
breezes, and, in consequence of its exposed

situation, is, at present, rarely frequented by
vessels of any description ; not a fishing-boat,

nor even a canoe, was visible, and their ab­

sence added to the solitary, yet not unpleas­
ing effect of the whole.
Nearly in a direction with Matarah, a

rugged islet rose before us. Its sides were