Page 644 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

600 NAVIGATION OF THE

seven fathoms on it. Outside the reef you may anchor in
sixteen or
twenty fathoms ; it should not be approached nearer than twenty-five
fathoms, unless you intend to anchor, and in the day-time.
SuRDE, OR SuRDY.
The south-east point of Surde or Surdy is in lat. 25° 56' N., long.
54° 38' 40" E. It is an island formed something the same as most in
the Gulf, being composed of coarse rocks and sand, with very little
soil. A mile and a quarter to the westward of the south-east point are
the ruins of a town, and nearly in a line to the northward, on the oppo­
site side of the island, are the ruins of another town, and a mosque;
there are also wells of fresh water on the north-western part of the
island. This island, it is said, had once near a thousand inhabitants,
but was depopulated by the pirates. There is anchorage nearly all
round the island, but the ground is rocky, and bad for holding; the
best is to the southward. The island is surrounded by a reef, extend­
ing two-thirds of a mile ofF shore. The island is about four miles long,
and two and a quarter broad.

Bostana to Shinas.
From Bostana to Shinas the land is low, and safe to approach to
about one mile, in six or seven fathoms.
Shinas.
Shinas, in lat. 26° 32' N., long. 54° 49' 20" E., is a small town,
subject to Lingah, and contains about one hundred and seventy men,
of the Alfarrish Tribe, principally employed as fishermen. A few
supplies are obtainable here.
Yeshska.
Yeshska is a small town, situated close to the cape of the same name.
It is subject to Lingah, and contains about sixty men, of the Alfarrish
Tribe. It is in lat. 26° 33' N., long. 53° 30' E *
Lingah.
Lingah, in lat. 26° 32' 50" N., long. 54° 59' 10" E., is one of the
most considerable towns on this coast, and has a considerable trade
with most parts of Arabia. It sends Buggalows and other vessels to
India, and takes a very large share in the pearl fishery. It contains
about seven hundred men of the Joasmee Tribe, of the origina
people of the Allieny Tribe about three hundred, and two hundred and
fifty of the Alfarrish Tribe. It sends thirty boats to the pearl fishery,
and employs all those belonging to the opposite coast from Ras-oo -
Khyma to Shargah. It imports and exports annually to the amount o
amount in
near two lakhs of dollars in pearls, and about oue-tlurd that
grain, dried fruits, and tobacco. The amount of the customs for
* Query, 54° 30' E. ?

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