Page 457 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)

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SOUTHERN ARABIA. [CII.

Loopholes for musketry occur at every story,

and afford, with other indications, sufficient
evidence to convince the visitor that these
habitations have been constructed to serve,
when occasion requires it, as places of refuge
and defence.
On the slope which extends from the town
to the neighbouring mountain there is a large

suburb of native huts, the inhabitants of
which are principally slaves, Sumalis, and
Arab mariners, in number exceeding those
of the town, Collectively both may contain
five thousand inhabitants. Their occupations
are various: many engage in maritime pur­
suits, and a considerable number are em­
ployed in the commercial intercourse which
is carried on between this town and the dis­
trict of Hydramaut, of which it may be con­

sidered the sea-port.
Close to the sea-beach there is a line of
sheds, occupied by blacksmiths, who are
principally natives of Zanzibar. Here spear­
heads, the crooked knife or dagger called
jambir, nails, &c., are made. The workman­
ship, though rude, is tolerably good. Some
articles required for the vessel, which we