Page 244 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

XI.] COAST OF ARABIA. 225

in thickness; so that, in a country where the
use of artillery is almost unknown, it must
have been a place of great strength. The
ruins of a jetty of solid masonry are visible
near the landing-place, near which there is
a quay paved with large hewn stones. We
partially excavated one of the ruined houses,
but found nothing except shapeless fragments

of corroded copper and brass, and pieces of
broken coloured glass and earthenware, of the
same description as are found scattered over
the ruins of Egyptian towns. An examination
of these might possibly lead to a discovery of
the period at which this town was erected:
the glass I observed to be more opaque than
that of modern times. About a mile from the
fort stand the ruins of another town, con­

structed of coral, now much blackened by
exposure to the atmosphere; and on the other
side of the sherm, opposite to the low point,
there are similar remains, of which the jealousy
of the Bedowins prevented our making any
particular examination.
Supplies may be obtained here, but great

caution should be exercised in treating with
the Bedowins from whom they are procured.

VOL. II. Q