Page 444 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

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XXI.] SOUTHERN ARABIA. 417 i
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are all permanent residents, being distinct i.
m
from the Bedowins, and occupying them­ ■§
i
selves solely with agricultural pursuits. The
tenure by which they hold the land is in form
I i
similar to that in Oman. The lessee engages
-
in time of war to accompany his sheikh or
lord in his expeditions, and in time of peace
3
he furnishes him with a tithe of the produce
of the soil. The most fertile part of the dis­
m
trict, occupied by the Ourlgis, is an exten­

sive valley, resembling in its general features
those of W&di Meifah. A few of those who
possess flocks send them at certain seasons
for pasturage to the desert on either hand,
but the greater number are fed here. Dur­
X
ing rains it is filled by a broad but shallow
stream, and several pools were found still re­
maining near the sea-beach.
My inquiries do not enable me to speak
with confidence of any part of this valley
beyond the village or town of Nassaub,
which is described as being distant seven

days from the coast. Abundant evidence is
afforded by the quantity of grain, that the
whole intervening country is highly culti­
vated, and supports, in scattered villages, a
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