"الطرق في بلاد فارس" [‎٤‎٢‎٥] (٨٥٢/٤٥٨)

425
ROUTE No. 113.
From SHAIKH 'OTHMAN to TA'IZ vid MAFALIS.
Authorities. —Military Report, 1905,
Arabia: the Cradle of Islam, by Rev. S. M.
Zwemer.
Arab Tribes in the Vicinity of Aden.
General rescript ion. —General direction north-west. Pass
able for all arms except wheeled artillery. For camel transport
throughout. There are long and trying stretches of sand in the
first two stages. A fairly easy route for transport up the wind
ing Wadi Ma 'din, which is, however, commanded by the mountain
between Sanawi and Mafalis (stage 5). The alternative route
{q. v.) would be better in case of hostilities. This route was
followed by the Subaihi Column in 1904
Very little information after stage 6, but the route passes
through mountainous and fertile country.
Wcuter. —Waterless stretches of desert in the first two stages.
The supply till Kuhlan (stage 4) is reached is brackish and would
not suffice for more than battalion with transport. There is
none at eamp, stage 1. After stage 4 abundant and good. No
information after Mafalis, stage o, but there should be plenty as
the country is very fertile.
Fud. —Scanty in stages 1 and 3. Plentiful in stages 2, 4 and
.5 and probably onwards.
Forage and Grazing.—Scanty till stage 4. Abundant in 5
-and probably onwards.
SupjJie&~~h\ small quantities from villages till Kuhlan, stage
4. Abundant in stage 5, and probably onwards.
841 miles {approx.).
6 stages (or 7 stages).
Epitome.
distance.
Dstails.
SHAIKH
'OTHMAN.
1— CAMP (at
junction of road
ISA m. from Wabt).
18 m.
18J m. See Route No. 102.
The track runs
west over road
from Waht.