Page 181 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

162 SURVEY OF THE [oh.

permitted to cultivate a few date-trees in its
vicinity. To the southward there are several
extensive date-groves belonging to the latter;
and from hence to Mowilahh, their encamp­

ments occur frequently, with numerous flocks
and abundant pasturage, especially near \A‘i-
nfinah. Sheep, firewood, milk, butter, &c.,
may be obtained from this and most of the
other villages on the coast; but bagalas, in
their passage to R&s Mohammed, driven by
stress of weather, rarely proceed so far to the
northward.

The harbour of ’Ainfinah, in lat. 28° 2' 30"
N., long. 35° 18' E., is well sheltered from
all winds; yet I am apprehensive that the
dangers near the entrance, exhibited in the
chart, will deter mariners from it. With a
good pilot, a vessel might enter with every
facility and safety. Towards the interior, at
the distance of a mile and a half from the
beach, between two barren and rocky hills,
is the valley of ’Aintinah, celebrated among
the Bedowins for pure and abundant water.
The appearance of this luxuriant, though un­

cultivated tract, contrasts strangely with the
wild sterility of the neighbouring scenery.