Page 182 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

x.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 143

moved from, and unconnected with, the seve­

ral tribes in the plains below. The steep,

rugged, and dangerous nature of their passes,
which frequently lead through defiles, where

a few resolute men might make the way good
against a thousand, and also the strong po­

sitions which they have chosen for the erec­
tion of their villages, are alone sufficient to

secure their independence.

Their number does not amount to more
than a thousand souls, and a consciousness

of this numerical weakness has made them
aware that a strong bond of union is ne­

cessary to their preservation. They boast,
therefore, that, while the low country has, at

different periods, suffered from foreign inva­

sion, or been involved in the anarchy and
confusion consequent to intestine broils, they

have cultivated their vines and grain in
peace, without fear or interruption ; and,

although they bear the reputation of being
affluent, yet the Imams have never been able

to exact a duty from them. In their persons,

although more athletic and robust than their
neighbours of the plains, they have not the

usual healthy and hardy look of moun­