Page 331 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

MUSKAT—BAHREIN. 289

Vi.__On the Coast of Oman, the Imaum’s territory extends from
Ttas-ool-IIud to Sohar. In addition to his herc-
Boundarics of Territory, <Jitary dominions on the Arabian and African
and estimated Area in
Square Miles. Coasts, the lmanm holds in possession the
islands of Ormus and Kishm, and the tribes on
the Mukran Coast between Fask and Pussem acknowledge him as
their feudal lord. No correct estimate can be formed of the area of the
Imaum’s possessions.
VII.—The Imaum’s territory in Oman is for the most part barren and
mountainous, but contains many extensive and
Prevailing Nature of the
Soil, Usual Mode of Irriga­ fertile valleys, in which water is generally found
tion, and general Features g00d and abundant, and is raised to the surface
of the Counti). by means of the Persian wheel. The islands of
Kishm and Ormus are barren and unproductive.
VIII. and IX.—Muskat, as a general commercial entrepot, possesses
considerable trade. Its manufacture of coarse
Natural and Industrial
Resources ; Routes, Ap­ stuffs, in use amongst Arabs, is insignificant.
proaches, and Means of The principal article of export is dried fish;
and”Water.atl°n ^ ^and from the Mukran Coast hides and wool are
brought in small quantities for exportation. The
harbour of the town, though small, is good and safe. The coast else­
where is generally open, and more or less accessible from the sea.
Little or nothing is known of the interior of Oman.
X.—The climate is generally considered unhealthy. In summer,
Climate, and average the heat in the valleys and on the coast is
Range of Thermometer. excessive.
XI.—The Imaum could probably muster for the defence of his
Arabian dominions from twelve to fifteen
Estimated Population,
thousand fighting men. No other data can be
supplied for estimating the population.

BAHREIN.

I.—Predominant tribe, a branch of the Uttoobees, originally
Name, Title, and Age of from Koweit- Patronymic of the ruling family,
Chief- A1 Khaleefa.
Mahomed bin Khaleefa bin Sulman bin Ahmed bin Khaleefa, Chief
of Bahrein ; age forty-one years. This chief and his immediate relatives
or clan are commonly designated A1 Sulman, from their common
grandfather, to distinguish them from the rival branch of the family,
now called A1 Abdoolla.