Page 118 - A Hand Book of Arabia Vol 2_Neat

SOUTHERN ROUTES (Nos. 67-60) 61

is possible to make a short cut by avoiding a promontory or head­
land, such as the Barr el-Hikman after passing Mahdt.
Supplies. Between Makalla and Murbat the supply of ivater
would suffice for small caravans ; at Raidah and Hami hot springs
only are available, but water is good and abundant in the Dhofar
plain and at Ghaidhah (1) and (2). Between Murbat and Lashkha-
rah it is scarce and brackish. Fuel and camel grazing are both fairly
plentiful between Makalla and Murbat, the latter being especially
good and abundant in the Dhofar plain ; after leaving Murbat they
would probably be found in sufficient quantities for small caravans.
General supplies, with the exception of fish, are very limited through­
out. Between Makalla and Seihut small quantities of vegetables
and some cereals are obtainable, but from Seihut onwards prac­
tically no supplies of grain can be relied on. As far as Murbat a few
cattle and sheep are to be found in the hamlets at certain points,
but owners have been known to refuse to sell to non-Moslems.
Between Murbat and Lashkharah the Bedouin and semi-nomadic
tribes, who frequent stretches of the coast, are extremely poor, and
no supplies can be relied on.

G. SOUTH-EASTERN ROUTES (Nos. 70-75)

In the well-populated and, in the main, settled district of Oman, as
in the Aden Protectorate, far more tracks are in constant use than
are described in this handbook. For others, the Indian Govern­
ment’s Road Book of Arabia, or the Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf
should be consulted. The selection here given is intended to link
up the principal centres.

Route No. 70, from Sur to Nizwa (and Adam) via Ibra and Manah,
forms the principal line of communication from the coast of Eastern
Hajar to Sharqlyah and Ja‘lan. It crosses Eastern Hajar by the
Wadi Fuleij (or Faleij), and traverses Sharqlyah westwards by the
” adl el-Ha imah. The route is passable for pack transport- except
in the Wadi Fuleij after heavy rain, which is said to fall once in three
years ; the swollen and rapid streams then render the valley im­
passable for caravans. The branch route, from Kamil to Lash-
Knarah, traverses Ja'lan to the SE. coast.
Supplies. Water, fuel, fodder, and livestock are obtainable throu^h-
out, but are scanty at Ruksat; there are bazaars at Kamil, Badlyah
Nlzwa> and Adam ! many of the villages possess
camels, donkeys, cattle, and sheep.