Page 268 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)

XII.] COAST OF ARABIA. 249

The objections, therefore, that present them­
selves against the adoption of the inner pas­

sage are—
1st. That the vessel must anchor every
night.
2nd. That the numerous rocks would ren­
der it more dangerous than a passage outside.
This track, however, would only be pursued
during the prevalence of strong contrary
winds, when much coal would be consumed,
and little, if any, progress made in attempt­
ing the middle passage. By running along
the inner channel at such intervals, she would

avoid the heavy swell as well as the continued
drain that invariably follows the direction of
strong breezes in this sea, and would probably
make a progress of fifty or sixty miles a day.
With reference to the inner passage being
attended with more danger than the other, I
must admit that it is not easy on a first view
to divest ourselves of the idea of danger,
which is constantly connected with a proxi­
mity to rocks; but, on the other hand, the
clearness of the water will enable the navi­
gator easily to distinguish and avoid the
rocks, especially with a steamer. Provided