Page 53 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

14 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [ch.

CHAPTER II.

Abundance of Provisions—Natives—Beluches —Persians — Ma­
nufactory of Arms—Intermarriages—Insalubrity of Maskat—
Banians—Oriental Bankrupts—Banian Cows —Jews—Popula­
tion—Customs—Exports and Imports—Pilgrims—Coffee trade
—Dates—Distillation of Arrack,

Notwithstanding its unpromising appear­
ance, there are few parts where supplies may

be obtained in greater profusion, or of better
quality. Beef, mutton, poultry, fruit through­

out the year, fish, &c., are all good in their
several kinds. Maskat is supplied with water

by means of a deep well, contiguous to which
there is a fort, where a guard in time of war

is constantly stationed, in order to prevent

others from cutting off the supply. A newly
constructed aqueduct conveys the water to
the town. It is hard, and of an indifferent

quality. The cove abounds with fish.

The greater portion of the inhabitants of
Maskat are of a mixed race, the descendants