Page 252 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

XI.] COAST OF ARABIA* 233

supply of grain, would therefore lose their
effects on the Beni Sub-h.

Within their territories, we met them more
frequently near the sea-coast than any of the
other tribes. Camels, huts, and men were
observed whenever we approached the shore,
and on one occasion, near Has Mastfirah, an
officer was compelled to quit a station which
he occupied near a few huts, by their sound­

ing the alarm, and gathering in great numbers
on an adjoining hill, with the evident inten­

tion of attacking him. It would therefore be
highly imprudent to encounter them by land­
ing at any of the intermediate ports between
Yembo’ and Rabegh.
Sherm Rabegh is well known as a halting-
place on the route of the caravans between
Yembo’ and Jiddah, and also as the boundary
of what is strictly considered holy ground; in
acknowledgment of which, pilgrims on their
arrival from the northward shave their heads

and adopt the ihram. The quantity of dates
procured from the groves at Rabegh being
more than sufficient for the consumption of
the cultivators, the surplus is appropriated to
the purchase of various articles of utility and