Page 172 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

IX.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 133

grance, and produce a picturesque, verdant,

and beautiful landscape. It was now, how­
ever, winter, and the whole were denuded of

their leaves, and had a cheerless appearance.
Water flows in many places from the upper

part of the hills, and is received at the lower
in small reservoirs, from whence it is dis­

tributed over all the face of the country. It
is however so cold, that although very thirsty

from the length of our walk, we were not able
to partake of more than a sparing draught.

From the narrowness of this glen and the
steepness of its sides, only the lower part of it

receives the warmth of the sun’s rays but for
a short period during the day; and even at

the time of our arrival, we found it so chilly
that, after a short halt, we were very happy

to continue our journey. Ascending there­
fore on the opposite side of the valley also

by steps, and passing over much rugged and
uneven ground, we crossed a level tract of

country, overgrown with brambles and thistles,
*
and at 430 arrived at a small town called
Hodin, where we found the cultivation on the
open plains. The gardens and fields of grain
in these spots, present a strong and pleasing