Page 52 - A Hand Book of Arabia Vol 2_Neat

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COMMUNICATIONS
. 28

Neffid, along the Wadi el-Khad and its tributaries, in certain
muddy channels known as the Jawarld, about 50 miles north of tlip
Batn, and in the Wadi Hisb. Such supplies as these are exhausted
in summer. The permanent watering-places are Loqah, Hayya-
niyah, Tayyim, and Jeithanlyah. In winter there is sufficient
camel-grazing all along the route. In full summer all food-supplies
must be carried from the starting-point; but in winter and spring
fresh meat can be obtained from the herds.

One other route has been followed between Nejef and Ha il,
namely that taken by Wallin in 1848. This track (Route No. 5) leads
from Nejef direct to the wells of Hazil, more or less following
the course of Wadi Hisb. Thence one passes to Ha’il, without
touching at Hayyanlyah, the total journey taking 15—16 days. It
is a desert route, and, after leaving the region of the Euphrates,
crosses the stony Hajarah desert for many days, and afterwards
the eastern side of the Nefud. Fixed points for camping are deter­
mined only by the rare wells, and intermediate halting-places are
optional. In Wallin’s time the route was supposed to be safer
than the more easterly Darb Zobeidah, and to be used by peaceful
caravans. Wallin noted the presence of Huteim at Bir Tayyim, in
the summer ; and Leachman states that the ‘Amarat clan of the
Anazah frequent the wells of Hazil. The same traveller met, at
Bir Samit, Madan Arabs from the Euphrates, who are apt to be
better armed than Bedouins, and in so far may be a greater danger
to caravans. In June 1912, Hazil was the scene of a successful
attack on the Shammar by the Ruweilah Anazah, who killed
26 men. This route appears to be the Darb el-Ghazal, though
• according to Leachman no such name is now familiar to the
Arabs.
Supplies. There are long intervals between the wells, and except
after rains, water cannot be relied upon between Bir Samit and Bir
Hazil (111 miles), or between Bir Hazil and Bir ;Atwa (95 miles).
Fuel and camel-grazing are obtainable in most places. Food-sup­
plies are not available between Nejef and Ha il.

The track from Samawah to Boreidah, which is known as the
Darbes-Selman as far as Leinah, is here described as Route No. 6.
This route presents few exceptional difficulties, but runs for the
most part over different kinds of desert, passing no place with
settled inhabitants throughout the 309 miles between Samawah
and Quseibah. Bedouins may be encountered at Leinah, Zubin, and
Oufrah (Gofra), and probably at other wells ; and the closing
stage