Page 307 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

268 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [cH.

Familiar with water from their youth, the
natives are very expert, and the time they

will remain upon it, as well as the distance
they can swim, would sound incredible to

European ears. There are well-attested cases
of individuals who, without rest, have swam

more than seven miles.
In 1827 we were cruising in the Honourable

Company’s sloop Ternate on the Pearl Banks.
Whilst becalmed, and drifting slowly along
with the current, several of the officers and

men were looking over her side at our Arab
pilot, who had been amusing himself in

diving for oysters. Aftex' several attempts,his

that the heat of the atmosphere in the Persian Gulf during the warm
season is not surpassed by any other spot in the known world.
The nights being short, neither earth nor sea has time to cool.
Even when on the horizon, the sun is sufficiently warm to be dis­
agreeable : the sailors say it rises red hot; and a few minutes after­
wards the intensity of its beams elevates Fahrenheit’s thermometer
ten degrees. From this period until about eleven in the forenoon,
when the sea-breeze sets in, the heat is almost intolerable. Under
double awnings, their heads not unfrequcntly bound with wet cloths,
the seamen are seen lying on the deck, or stretched along the gun­
whale, looking for the first welcome indication of the breeze, abso­
lutely panting for breath. Without the smallest exertion, a copi­
ous perspiration streams from every pore. Water increases, in­
stead of allaying thirst; the skin is in such a state from irritation,
that no clothes can be endured, and the slightest movement, by
causing it to crack, is accompanied with great pain.