Page 202 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

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x.] COAST OF ARABIA. 103

much frequented by native vessels in conse­

quence of the excellent harbours which are
found on its eastern side. On the main,
nearly opposite to this island, is an anchor­
age called Mersa Ezlam, about three miles
from which, towards the interior, stand the
ruins of a castle. The garrison was with­
drawn, and it ceased to be considered as a
halting-place for the caravan, in consequence
of the indifferent water in its vicinity, so that
the pilgrims now rest here only for a few

hours, and proceed on to Dhoba. This castle
marks the southern limits of the territories
belonging to the Howeitat Bedowins; the
coast from thence, as far as Sheikh Morabit,
being occupied by the Bill tribe.
In Sherm Jezzeh there is no anchorage.
We saw some Bedowins here, who brought
down sheep for sale; their behaviour on shore
was very friendly. Several fishermen of the
Huteimi tribe had also made it their tempo­
rary residence. The country in the vicinity of
this and the neighbouring sherms is remarkably
barren and destitute of vegetation. A stratum

i of black stone on the surface of the hills and
plains gives the whole a bleak and desolate