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consoqueuco, as the voyage eveu to Bussorah is reckoned nearly over, when a vessel reaches this
island.
76. Hormuz is not unfavourably situated, it has the advantage of a good harbour, and
while Gombroon flourished was the likeliest island in tho Gulph to reach the summit of
prosperity which it attained under tho Portuguese. This chiefly arose from the strength of its
fortifications which offered a 6afe asylum to merchants of all descriptions on the shores of a
great and luxurious Government, which, though it afforded hopes of ample profit, gave no
permanent security to the trader, who gladly resorted to almost where he incurred no risque of
being plundered, and where his gains wero equally certain. This* remark applies more forcibly
when wo consider tho fate of the island, which the. moment it ceased to be in the possession
of an European Nation, declined into that State of insignificance from which nothing but the
combined efforts of justice and industry could ever have raised it. The Imam of Muscat
four years ago took possession of this island, which ho found almost entirely deserted. That
active Princo has repaired the old Portuguese Fort in a tolerable manner, and settled about
fifty families upon it, for whom he has built comfortable dwellings. Nothing vegetable i*
produced on this island, nor is there any water, but what is preserved in vaulted reservoirs
^hat are filled in tho rainy season. It abounds in salt of which the soil is chiefly composed
and that article might be exported in any quantity. The objections to Hormuz are the
scarcity of fresh x being at least one day’s vail out of, the X for vessels going up
and down the Gulph x also from its want of vegetation be subject to extreme heats in
summer, though it has always been reputed healthy.
77. The island of Sarack is still better situated than Hormuz being more to the south­
ward, and consequently nearer the direct track. This advantage, however, is more than
counterbalanced by its want of a Harbour, which added to its being very destitute of both water
and vegetations, makes it a place entitled to little consideration. Not having visited ifc
I cannot speak more particularly, but what I have said, is from the best information I could
collect in its vicinity, which joined to the circumstance of its never having been a place of
great resort, makes me conclude that it is not adopted for tho settlement proposed.
78. Kishma or as it is more properly called Jezire derauze is the largest island in the
Gulph. Its eastern extreme is within five miles of Hormuz nearly opposite Gombroon or
Bunder Abbas. It rims upwards of fifty miles north-west parallel with the Persian shore, and
is no place twelve miles broad.% This island which is divided from the continent by a channel
that is navigable for the longest ships, had formerly 800 villages upon it, not above one
hundred and fifty of which now remain. , The inhabitants appear to be a quiet unoffensive
race, who exist chiefly by fishing and cultivation, and the soil produces sufficient dates, wheat
and barley for their consumption. • They also breed cattle and sheep, and the latter are said
to thrive uncommonly in this island. Kishma paid formerly a Rent of above Rs. 5,000
annually to the Persian G ovemment. At present it is under the independent rule of a Shaikh
named Moulin Hussen who has, however, within these two months agreed to pay homage to
the Imfime of Muscat. The Shaikh who resides at the fort of Kishma, the capital, which X
on the north-east extremity of the island, has x whatever and is unable to protect hi6
subjects who arc constantly exposed to the desultory attacks of the Arabs of the Jonassen
tribe who possess tho opposite coast of Arabia. This island has several Harbours, that at the
Town of Kishma is far from being either very convenient or safe. Tho principal ono on the
north side of the island is that of Suft, which is represented by every native I examined
as one of the best in the Gulph. On the south is that formed by the island of Anjur or
Anjam, which form its excellence, as well as most admirable situation. I should recommend
above all others as that where the Hon’ble Company should establish a settlement. This
Harbour is so completely hand-locked by the two Islands, which are not above three miles
distant from each other, that a vessel can anchor close to either shore at all seasons, and there
is sufficient depth of water to allow of a line of battle ship lying within half a mile and 6mall
oraft within a hundred yards of tho land. The navigation requires no pilot, a vessel of the
largest burthen can always go out or come in with the greatest facility. Indeed any ship
going up or down the Gulph with a fair wind, will not lose one hour by going through this
harbour, and no vessel can well avoid coming close to it as the Arabian shore is within a
short distance and can be seen clearly with the naked eye, and the Saloraahs or coins as