'Routes in Arabia' [‎289] (322/852)

289
Route No. 80— contd.
dwindles to a stream at its head. It is separated from the sea
by a narrow ridge of sand.
Taqa contains a score of huts, and 1 stone building.
Two fresh water hhors, besides the Khor Ilori which is fresh
only near its head. Westward of the village are some groves
of cocoanut palms and some cultivated ground. The .moun
tains hereabouts come down close to the sea.
2 HAFAH .. 19 m. (teneral direction
slightly south of west.
42 m. The route runs along
a coastal plain, crossing several streams of clear but brackish
water. Near the sea there is a dense growth of mangroves.
At mile 9, the village of Hamran, about 2 miles from the
sea; a house and garden with a spring and watercourse. Some
fruit, tobacco, and vegetables are grown.
About mile 13, Rizat; a fort garrisoned by a few Dhufar
levies ; near by are about 10 huts : there is a running stream,
and some cultivation of sugarcane, jawari, fruit and vegetables.
The lands are irrigated by a watercourse from W adi Rizat.
At mile 15 Dahariz ; 100 houses of mud and stone ; on west
side of village, cotton fields and a grove of cocoanut palms ;
1,000 cattle, 300 sheep and goats. Ten small boats.
At mile 18, ruined site of Bilad,
Route then runs by cotton fields and cocoanut groves into
Hafah ; 150 houses of stone and mud, and a substantial castle
near the beach, with a courtyard and a well. All around is cul
tivation ; a few cocoanut groves and several wells of good water.
3 R1SUT .. .. 10 m. West-south-west.
Route continues over
52 m . the Dhufar plain.
At half a mile, and about 100 yards from the beach, is Hisn,
the principal fort in ■ Dhufar ; it covers an acre of ground, and
contains a substantial three-storeyed building ; the entrance
is on the east side. Outside the fort are a few huts, and a
bazar of half dozen shops.
At mile 2, Salalah, a village with about 250 houses mostly
of stone. Good water ; some cotton, wheat, tobacco, fruit and
5Sn