Page 244 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XIII.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 205

at the sides a few shallow pools. We passed
several colocynth shrubs to-day, and also a

kind of dwarfish bush, bearing a small red
fruit, in size and flavour resembling a cran­

berry, of which the Bedowins are very fond.
At four hours, descending a pass, we entered
the valley of Russut el Kuroos, and at 5‘15

halted at the hamlet of Sidan : we were
delighted with our resting-place, which was

just at the gorge of the pass, where it emerges
from amidst a pile of mountains of great
height. The rugged and pinnacled summits

of these shadowy masses, as they rose ab­

ruptly in quick succession before us, were
now receiving the last bright and gorgeous
tints of a setting sun ; but the lower ranges

were already lost in the evening’s gloom.
We could just perceive a mountain torrent

about fifty yards in width, which takes its
rise amidst the chain, and was now chafing
or forming its way along the valley, over and

between the rocks • and other obstructions
which line its bed. We soon lighted a large

fire on its banks, by which we prepared our
evening meal. Enjoying all our former health
and wonted spirits, we indulged, whilst seated