Page 238 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

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XI.] COAST OF ARABIA. 219

readily gave it, with the promise of an escort;
but so many impediments arose from the
jealousy of the Bedowins, who became ac­
quainted with our intentions, and who could
not be made to comprehend that our observa­
tions on the state of their country were not
preparatory to taking possession of it, that we
were obliged to leave Yembo’ without effect­
ing our purpose.

Bruce states that, besides possessing the
finest climate in the world, “ all sorts of Ara­

bian and African fruits grow to perfection on
the summit of these hills; that it is the para­
dise of the people of Yembo’, those of any
substance having country-houses there,” &c.
There is no doubt he received this informa­
tion from the Arabs, for he does not appear
to have visited them. Accounts nearly as
exaggerated were furnished us, but there is
great reason to doubt their correctness. If
true, it would appear somewhat strange that
none of these productions should reach Yem­

bo’, as, during our stay there at nearly all
seasons, neither vegetables nor fruits of any
description were exposed for sale, nor, from
particular inquiries, could we learn they were