Page 52 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

10 MUSK AT—BURKA.

not a sign of vegetation is to be seen. These, however, form it*
chief security; bearing on their sides and summits forts and towers
impregnable except to heavy cannon, and accessible only by the
narrowest paths. The town, built close to the water’s edge, is walled
towards the interior, and may be defended against the Arabs ; but should
the enemy gain a footing within the mountain passes, it would be in
their power to intercept the supply of water, which is drawn from a
deep well at the distance of half a mile from Muslcat, and is thence
conveyed, by an aqueduct, to a reservoir near the cove, where, at high-
water, casks conveyed in a ship’s boat may be replenished.
Although Muskat, both by nature and art, is strong towards the land
side, little difficulty would probably be experienced, by a small force, in
cutting out of the port, or destroying by fire, all vessels which might
anchor there.
Refreshments are procurable in tolerable plenty; fish in great
abundance ; the beef and mutton, too, are of a very good quality.
The town of Muskat, from the want of a free circulation of air, and
the proximity of a swamp, is very unhealthy ; while the coasts of Persia
and Arabia in general are, fortunately, the reverse.
The atmosphere in this climate, during summer, is intensely hot,
but being free from moisture, and hence not admitting of the occurrence
of disease, is supportable ; in the winter months the temperature of the
air is delightful.
Muskat Road is open, the water deep, and the bottom loose and
rocky ; indeed it is one of the most insecure anchorages existing.
The cove affords better shelter, but even this is not a desirable
situation for a ship, as the north-west winds blow directly into it; yet
the underlow prevents ships from riding with a heavy strain on their
cables.
About six miles NW.by W. of Muskat lies Muskat Island; it has
deep water on all sides, within which a frigate may pass at the dis­
tance of half a cable, carrying fourteen and a half fathoms. The
Beloochees Call it Ringole, and the Arabs Fahel.
Standing to the westward, the barren hills of Muskat are left behind,
and the shore presents a sandy, level surface, covered with plantations
of date trees.
Burka.
Twelve or thirteen leagues W.byN. of Muskat lies Burka, the
summer residence of His Highness the Imaum of Muskat, which is
defended by a fortified work, originally constructed by the Portuguese,
but having no ditch; and being, in consequence, untenable for six hours
against artillery, can serve merely to awe the surrounding Arab States,
who entertain a high opinion of its strength. It in fact commands