'Gazetteer of Arabia Vol. I' [‎367] (386/1050)

BAHRAIN
367
tliere is sufficient open space for the store depots of a Brigade, but this will probably
soon be built over.
Besides the actual frontage dealt with above the next place comparatively suitable
for landing is at the open beach at Qasabiya {vide n Camping sites "). Here the beach
does not shelve quite so gradually and is of firm Sand.
The disadvantages of this landing place are;—
The narrow, shallow and tortuous channel from the anchorage and the fact that it is
hidden from the anchorage, and that there would be some difficulty in arranging for
an intermediate signalling station visibile both from the transports and from the landing
place. ®
On the Whole, provided the Qasabiya site be Selected for the camp, the best plan would
probably be to use all three landing places, the Customs pier for horses, mules and
men, the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. jetty for men and some stores.
Such heavy stofeg as are not wanted immediately could be sent round to Qasabiya and
the boats beached at high tide. For stores liable to damage small temporary wooden
Jetties could be speedily constructed from local material.
As has been shown, the shallowness of the water is a great obstacle to the rapid disem
barkation or embarkation of troops; but a Still greater objection to the use of Bahrain
as a temporary baSe is the sfiamal. This, the prevailing wind, blows dead on shore from
the anchorage. When it is blowing with any strength boats take from U to 4 hours
sailing off, and consequently generally miss a tide. As it generally blcrws for four
days or longer in the winter-, and for 40 in the Summer, great delay in re-embarkation
must be allowed for.
i None of the landing places are commanded by high ground, but cover from houses
and walls is afforded along the whole front. A milled Portuguese fort i^ sitnatM ™
the beach about 3 miles west of Manamah.
Camping sites*
Immediately behind Manamah lies an extensive plain extending the whole length of
the town and continuing to the eastern coast of the island.
Behind the town itSelf it is narrow, fouled by the insanitary habits of the people
and, from September on^ rendered almost uninhabitable by mosquitoes. During the
Summer months, when the mosquito plague,has abated, it is largely occupied by the
pahn leaf huts of the Shaikh's sons and theii- followers, who collect round the
bhaikh s mud fort during his residence there.
The eastern end of the plain at Qasabiya i« more Suitable for a camping ground for
troops. Here there is room for a Division. The soil is heavy white sand mixed with
shells which does not rise to any extent in a wind. It is also porous and allows
fam water to percolate through very rapidly. At Some spots the sub-soil water is
met with 3 feet down.
This Site is said to be the least moSquito-fidden in the northern or inhabited part of
the island. ^
The quarantine station is at one end of the Site, and a part of the beach is occupied
by palm huts during the Summed. *
No part of this plain is commanded by high ground.
Should Bahrain be occupied by troops for any length of time and rapid re-embark*
ation not be a sine qua non Several sites could be found at a distance of from 7 to 9
miles inland within reach of the Adarl water Supply. This location would probably
be found to be more healthy than the sites nearer the town*
Water.
The quality of the water of the island is a serious factor. Owing to the Scttnfv rain.
f%ll and the flat nature of the ground, the only water is that from springs. The^e springs
are supposed to come from Central Arabia. As the water has thus travelled s^mo
hundred miles underground it is probably organically pure ; but is impregnated wHh
salts m varying degrees in each spring. wilii
The Gasari springs about 2 miles and the Adari about 3J from Manama are the mort
copious. Between them they irrigated some square miles of paL ^ and cenie
Manama is clne^y supplied from Gasari, iuterne.