Page 120 - A Hand Book of Arabia Vol 2_Neat

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' 02 COMMUNICATIONS

Route No. 71, from Muscat to Bireimi by way of Nizwa, ‘Ibri, and
Dhank, at first- traverses Wadi ttcma’il, the principal line of com­
munication from the coast to the interior of Oman. After crossing
the watershed it descends by Wadi Halfein to Izki, and passes below
the base of Jebel Akhdhar to Nizwa. It crosses Jebel el-Kor between
Oman Proper and Dhahirah, by the principal pass Aqabat el-
Barak ; and between Ibri and Dhank it traverses the pass of Jebel
el-Fuleij (or Faleij), reaching Bireimi across the plain ofJNE. Dha­

hirah. The route is possible for pack transport. The W adi Serna il
usually contains a shallow stream flowing along a sandy bed, but
it is liable to come down in flood after rain, rendering this section
difficult; the valley is narrow, and is commanded in many places
from the surrounding hills. The ascent of the pass ‘Aqabat el-Barak,
between Nizwa and ‘Ibri, is possible for loaded camels, though
fatiguing from the rugged character of the ground ; the pass of
Jebel el-Fuleij is also difficult by reason of its steep gradient and
boulder-strewn track.
Supplies. Water from streams and conduits is abundant along
the first part of the route ; though not so plentiful between Nizwa
and Bireimi, it is obtainable at all stages. Fuel, fodder, and food­
stuffs are also plentiful along the greater part of the route ; but
they are not always obtainable, from Tandf to the further side of
the pass ‘Aqabat el-Barak.

Route No. 72, from Muscat to Dhank by way of Rostaq and Miskin,
follows thfe coast-road to Masna'ah, and ascends thence by the Wadi
Fara‘ to Rostaq; it traverses the foothills of the Western Hajar
by Wadi Sahtan and Wadi Beni Ghafir, and, after passing the
watershed, crosses NE. Dhahirah into the Wadi Dhank. There is
a good camel-track along the coast from Matrah to Masna'ah, which
is also traversed at the beginning of Route No. 73 ; from Masna'ah
the route is also passable for pack transport, but between Rostaq
and Dhank it is difficult in places owing to its hilly nature, An
alternative and longer approach to Rostaq leaves the coast-road at
Suweiq, to the W. of Masna'ah, and joins the route at Hazam.
Supplies. Water, fuel, and fodder are obtainable all along the
route, and foodstuffs at Sib, Barkah, Masna'ah, Suweiq, Rostaq, and
Dhank.

Route No. 73, from Muscat to Abu Dhabi via Bireimi, follows the
coast to Sohar; thence it turns westward and crosses the Oman
Promontory to the Persian Gulf. From Muscat to Matrah is bad
going and the journey is generally done by boat. From Matrah to