Page 188 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

x.] COAST OF ARABIA. 169

CHAPTER X.

Ford of the Bcdowins—Hutcimi—Dress—Sheikh Alayan—Route
to Gaza, $c.—Unsuspicious Character and Hospitality of the
Bedowins—Mowilahh — Caravans— Dangerous Anchorage—
Description of the Coast—Shushuah—Bara'k&n—Yc'ubah—
Sherms Yahar and Dhoba—Hetman—Mersa Ey lam—Sherm
Jezzah—Desolate Coast—Sherm Wej-h—Visit from Sheikh
Amir—Ruined Toum—Iiasani—Hatred between Arabs and
Turks—Anecdote—Sherm Abban—Tradition of Merdunah—
Anecdote of an African Boy—Bedowin dislike to Cultivation.

The Bedowins on this part of the coast mostly
subsist on what is procured by the sale of their
flocks and their butter. The former is taken
to Nejd, and there exchanged for grain, prin­
cipally dhurrah; the latter is either disposed
of to the Hajj boats on the coast, to the cara­
van in its passage through their territories, or
is carried to Yembo’ or Jiddah, where a ready

sale awaits it. Their food, while residing on
the coast, consists mostly of milk and dates,
occasionally, though rarely, varied with grain
or animal food. The latter, however, is never