Page 550 - A Hand Book of Arabia Vol 2_Neat

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278 SOUTH-WESTERN ROUTES

miles.
total, stages.
Between this place and San‘a, at almost even-
half-day’s journey, are large inns (simsaras),
which afford safe lodging, and where most,
ordinary supplies are to be found, such as rice,
coffee, butter, bread, &c. (Niebuhr).

Road makes steep winding ascent for J hr. to
Maharas Pass (alt. 8,500 ft.), the highest point
between Ta‘izz and Ibb, well paved in parts; it.
then descends.
2 m. Nejid, rather large village, to r.
Dir. N., then NW., slightly descending.
7 m. Jiblah, town of about 1,200 houses; alt.
6,760 ft.
1 m. Udah, village; thence a very steep descent.

2 m. Arma, water-troughs for animals: about
4 m. to Ibb.
157 16 IBB, town (alt. 6,720 ft.) ; see I, p. 170.
Dir. N. by E., down a broad valley with river,
alongside which are water-tanks and shelter-
houses at intervals ; the first mile well paved,
then 2 m. of steep zigzag descent.
4 m. Lahicad. The river has to be crossed two or
three times in the following three miles; the
Military Report, referring to the rainy season,
says : ; As it rains hard every day between
3 and 4 p.m., it is necessary to finally cross
the river before 5 p.m., as by then it is
unfordable.’
3 m. Suq ez-Zabtah ; alt. 5,390 ft.
Track soon becomes more hilly and ascend.'-.
174 17 Mekhader, village on summit of hill, the main portion

lying to 1. of road ; alt. 5,820 ft. ; market on
Thursdays ; small garrison.
Dir. N., at first, down an easy slope; at 2m. Bivqei'1
and an awkward water-gully ; then road turns
E. by N., following a narrow valley, and going
3 or 4 m. through park-like country, with ore iari s
and gardens of mangoes, peaches, figs, mulbeirits,
bananas, &c. Leaving this, the track clan >
a long steep zigzag ascent, with badly pa'
surface.

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