Page 140 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

VII.] GULF OF ’AKABAH. 121

weit&t, and Ugboot, possess the largest shares.
The trees extend along the bottom of a nar-
row valley, which bears a striking resem­

blance to that of Ainfmah. A considerable
stream of water flows through and irrigates
the groves, and fences divide the trees into
circular groups, accessible only by a diminu­
tive door two feet in height: within, wheat,
dhorra, and some few fruits* and vegetables
are reared.
Near the beach there are about two hun­
dred huts, occupied by those who cultivate
the trees and reside here permanently ; but

the Bedowins, to whom the greater number of
trees belong, arrive with their tents at the
commencement of the date harvest, and con­
tinue only until its conclusion. A promis­
cuous multitude of three or four thousand are
then assembled, among whom quarrels and
disputes constantly occur. These, if not
decided on the spot, are referred to the
principal Sheikhs; but the parties always
retain a right of appeal to the elders of any
neighbouring tribe. The custom of the rela­
tives of the slain retaliating on the slayer or

* Grapes, limes, figs.—Nebek, &c.