Page 170 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

160 Records of Bahrain

124 TEARL FISHERY.

ance. Scir Benias, for instance, exhibits a
group of rugged peaks, varying in colour; some
arc black, others green, grey or brown, or of a
pure white. I was then slightly unwell, and
fearful of increasing my illness by exposure, or
I would otherwise have gladly availed myself
of the opportunity our touching there afforded
me of examining its structure; I must, there­
fore, content myself with recommending it as
well worthy the attention of some future tra­
veller.

A beautiful lagoon in this island extends to
nearly its centre. It is perfectly land-locked,
and as the channel is narrow, the water within
was smooth as that in a mill-pond. Boats resort
here in great numbers during the fisheries, and
the margin of the harbour is thickly studded
with heaps of shells. During the time the crews
remain, the masts and sails are converted into
tents. The fare of these poor fisherman is very
miserable: dates, such fish as they may be able
to catch, and water. To such, while cruizing
amidst them in the ship, our small presents of
bread or rice formed a welcome addition. The
next object of interest which we approached
was the low sandy cape, Has Rekkan, which,
with the contiguous district, is inhabited by a
fierce and warlike race of Bcdowins; we did