'Routes in Arabia' [‎100] (133/852)

100
Route No. 29— mnUl.
towards Hofuf, Tiio distance can bo covered in three days,
but caravans take longer.
Water. —A sufficiency, but it is of indifferent quality. Very
abundant in the Hasa Oasis.
Fuel. —Sufficient for ordinary caravans.
Fodder. —Camel grazing throughout. Grass plentiful in
spring throughout the last stage.
Supplies.—Nil, except at Qa tif and Hofuf.
No. of stage I
and total I Details,
distance, i
QATIF .. The town of Qatif
consists of a kut, or
fortified quarter, and
a long bazar outside but connected with it ; and besides these
there are seven suburban villages. The total population of
Qatif town, inclusive of these suburbs, is about 10,000 souls.
The fort measures about 400 yards by 300 yards, and consists
of a bastioned wall some 30 feet high. It stands almost upon
the beach, and contains about 700 houses, of which the major
ity are of stone, though some are mere huts. There are no
shops inside the fort. The old Turkish Government offices stand
in one corner, and a conspicuous minaret in another. In 1908 it
it also contained a garrison of about 50 Turkish soldiers furnish
ed by the battalion at 'Anik, about four miles south-south-east
of Qatif town. There were also from 20 to 30 zaptiehs. The
bazar is roofed and contains about 300 shops. Water is from
springs, and is plentiful. Supplies are very limited. Amongst
the exports are dates, date syrup (usually known as dibs),
firewood, and reeds. The imports include rice, coffee, sugar,
wheat, and unhusked rice. There are 13 pearl boats.
1 JIDWAI .. 2G in. Across a low-lying
— sandy plain.
26 m. At mile 6, Lajam,
a walled village of 50 mud and stone houses in the centre of
a detached, cultivated area. Its springs are 'Aqaq and Buddi.
The track then enters Biyadh.
At Jidwai three wells, and 3 miles to the east are the wells
and camping grounds of Muni fah.