Page 345 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

30G TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

being fastened, he generally took up his
quarters at a few yards from his master.

During my coasting voyages along the shores
of Oman, he always accompanied me, and

even in a crazy open boat across the ocean
from Maskat to India. My health having
compelled me to return to England overland,

I could not in consequence bring Sayyid with
me. In parting with this attached and faith­

ful creature, so long the companion of my
perils and wanderings, I am not ashamed to

acknowledge that I felt an emotion similar to
what is experienced in being separated from
a tried and valued friend.

Several of the Imam’s horses are of the
noblest breed in Nejd, some of his mares

being valued at from 1500 to 2000 dollars;
and one horse, the most perfect and beautiful

creature I ever saw, was considered to be
worth an equal sum. He maintains a portion
of his stud at Maskat; but the greater num­

ber is at Burka and Suweik, where they pay
great attention to the breed and rearing of

these noble animals. Camels and asses are,
however, more generally used for travelling

in Oman; and although a Sheikh may occa­