Page 333 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

BAHREIN. 291

the main land opposite to Bahrein, under the protection of the Wahabce
ruler Ameer Fysul, from whom they receive a sum of money annually
for their maintenance.
During the past fifteen years, a severe contest has been sustained,
with occasional intermissions, between these competitors for the chief-
ship of Bahrein, to the almost complete ruin of the trade, and prosperity
of the island.
JV.—The Chief of Bahrein is independent, but pays Zukat, or
■Whether Tributary or religious tithe, to the Wahabee ruler, at the
not; if so, to whom, and rate of 4,000 crowns per annum.
Annual Amount of Tribute.
V.—One hundred thousand crowns, derived from the produce of the
extensive landed property in the possession of
Estimated Gross Annual
Revenue. the ruling family, and the taxes on land, and on
boats engaged in the pearl fishery. No customs or duties on exports
or imports are levied at Bahrein.
VX.__The territory of Bahrein consists of the two islands known by
that name, and the line of coast extending from
Boundaries of Territory,
and estimated Area in the bottom of the bight in which they are situat­
Square Miles. ed to Khore-al-Adeed, on the other side of the
promontory of Ras Tanoorah.
VII.—The larger island, which is thirty miles long, and of an
Prevailing Nature of the aVCra8C width °f six mileS- is Se“era% low>
Soil, Mode of Irrigation, though at its centre a range of small hills may
the Country1 Featurcs of be distinguished. The soil is fertile, and plenti­
fully watered by numerous springs, rising to the
surface of the ground. The smaller island, with the exception of one
or two date plantations, admits of no cultivation. The Coast of Guttur
partakes of the general character of the eastern shores of Arabia, and is
barren and unproductive.
VIII.—Although Bahrein, owing to constant internal dissensions,
Natural and Industrial has of late years greatly fallen off in population,
Resources. and the wealth of its inhabitants, it still main­
tains a thriving trade, of which the exports and imports may be roughly
estimated each at five or six lakhs of crowns, and sends from 1,000 to
1,200 boats to the pearl fishery.
IX.—Its harbour, though in some degree difficult of access, is
good, and well sheltered, and will admit
Means of Communication.
vessels drawing not more than sixteen or
seventeen feet of water.
Climate. X. —The climate is bad.
XI. —Fevers prevail, and strangers sleeping on
Prevalent Diseases.
shore are liable to suffer from its deadly effects.