Page 88 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

IV.] TRAVELS IN OMaN. 49

we directed it, and from thence to Semmed,

and which was gratifying to you, and, there­
fore, pleasing to us; and, furthermore, any­

thing which you require from us, whether
little or much, it is only for you to request it,

and it is on our part to grant it. Peace be to
you, and farewell.

“ True,
"Sayyid Sooltan.”

December 2nd. My camels and guides were
collected this morning, and I left Suk el

Sur, where I had received every attention
from its Sheikh. At 12 p.m., we were clear
*
3,
of the skirts of the village, and entered a
shallow valley. Rounded masses of lime­

stone formed its bed, between which a few
stunted acacia bushes, the only signs of

vegetable life, forced their way. The hills
on either hand were of a light red, or yellow­

sandstone, with an occasional streak of
orange or purple. Although in October,

November, and December, passing showers
are here frequent, the natives say that heavy

continued rain is only experienced once in
three years, and that the bed of this valley

is then filled with a swollen and rapid stream,
vol. i. e