Page 82 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

iv.l TRAVELS IN OMAN. 43

by different tribes. They are very com­

pactly constructed with the branches of the
date palm, are airy and spacious, and, as the

streets are kept very clean, the whole wears
a neat and pleasing appearance. There are

no shops here, the bazar being situated about
a mile and a half from the beach, where a

considerable number of the inhabitants re­
side. Thither, accompanied by its Sheikh,

who had been sent for directly intelligence

was received of my arrival, I set out, and
was much gratified at finding when I reached

the village that my tent was pitched in a
delightful spot, and that guards had been

placed, and every precaution taken for the
safety of my baggage. Here I was to remain

until camels and guides could be collected for
my journey.

A daily market is held on this spot, at
which grain, fruit, and vegetables are ex­

posed for sale. The houses, though small, are
strongly built of stone and cement, and the

largest and best are occupied by the Banians
and people from Cutch, who monopolise a

considerable share of the trade. On the west
quarter there is a large fort, mounting a few