Page 109 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

70 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

assembled in any considerable number. The
shield is attached to the sword by a leathern

thong ; it measures about fourteen inches in
diameter, and is generally used to parry the

thrust of the spear, or jambeer. It was part
of the entertainment to fire off their match­

locks under the legs of some one of the spec­
tators, who appeared too intent on watching

the game to observe their approach, and any
signs of alarm which incautiously escaped

the individual, added greatly to their mirth.
Their only music consisted of a small drum,

beaten by a slave.
After exercising their skill in firing at a

mark, during which some capital shots were
made, they all dispersed. Towards evening

a large party of Geneba Bedowins arrived,
and two of their camels were matched to run

against the same number belonging to the
Beni-Abu-’AH. As I had never before wit­

nessed a camel race, I felt much interest in
the spectacle. They rode them with nose­

strings as well as bridles, but the animals
did not appear to take an equal relish in the

sport with their masters, for they could not
be set going without much trouble, and were