Page 324 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

xiv.] COAST OF All A III A. 305

would be advisable to proceed direct against
it, but would recommend that the Arabian

shore be kept on board, until she should be
able to stand across to Bombay with a fair
wind.
Much has been written upon the subject
of the size and description of vessel best
adapted for this navigation, as well as the
regulations with respect to passengers, letters,
&c. The two new steamers sent out by the
East India Company appear to be admirably
suited for this duty ; and the scheme being
now fairly set afloat, the experience of a few
seasons will be sufficient to place these mat­
ters on the best possible footing.

I cannot, however, take leave of a subject
so important without adding a few remarks
respecting the depots. I am unhesitatingly
of opinion that, unless the maritime survey
now engaged in the investigation of that part
of the African coast within the Gulf of Aden
should succeed in finding some insular point
within a harbour near Cape Gardefui, that
the islands of Socotra and Kamaran will be
found the best adapted for such a purpose.
Socotra has no good single harbour, but it

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