Page 169 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

130 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

most elevated portion of the range. They
present without deviation the usual character

of the limestone formation, ascending with a
steep slope at an angle of about 30° with the

horizon, and terminating to the southward in
mural precipices of great depth. Along the

face of one of these our route continued for
some distance; the path was a stair-like pro­

jection, jutting out from the face of the cliff,
and overhung by threatening masses of rock,

while below, it sunk perpendicularly to the
depth of 700 or 800 feet. As this path was

too narrow to admit of the asses proceeding
with their baggage in the usual manner, what

could not be packed on their backs was
carried by the drivers.

We now commenced our descent by a path
so steep and slippery, that we were compelled

to take off our shoes ; yet the asses proceeded
at a quick pace without making a single false

step. Shortly before this, one of the men
separated himself from the party, and called

on me to follow him. I did so, and after
scrambling for some distance down the pre­

cipice, holding on by the branches and roots
of the trees, we suddenly turned an angle of