'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From December 1854 to March 1856. (New Issue.) Edited by the Secretary. Volume XII.' [‎76] (187/258)

COMMANDER F. JONES'S
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vernment, but are much demoralized of late from intercourse with the town.
Their war cry is Jeheysh, and their chiefs are from the House of Abdallah,
an ancestor of great repute, who derived his pedigree direct from the Himyar
(Homerite of Platemy) a very early and renowned race of Arabs in Yemen.
Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. ibr Sheffelleh, the hereditary chief, styles himself “ of the House of
Abdallah.” Those boasting of immediate descent from this House, now
comprise about 40 tents, and the whole tribe when required to make an oath
of more than ordinary solemnity, regard swearing by the “ head of Abdal
lah” as the most binding on their conscience, for it admits of no mental
reservation. Indeed, the infringement of this oath, or taking it without lull
intention of keeping it, was formerly considered punishable with death;
demoralization is undermining the old statutes of all the tribes.
Families. Tents. Usual abode.
Al-Maamereh 150 Baashiyeh. , „
Ad-Duvejat 200 Resasehto the Tigris on the East
Albu Kathr 100 'Baashiyeh.
Beni Ajil 100 Rahamamyeh.
They are rich in flocks and herds, have good stock of horses and camels,
and combine a settled and warlike character. In peace they cultivate exten
sive grounds, under Zobeid protection.
Families. Tents. Usual abode.
Beni Zeyad 100 With Zobeid Sheikh.
Albu Bedran ^0 Isken-deriyeh.
The first generally attends the camp of the Sheikh. They are chiefly
camel proprietors and carriers, and* pay a tribute of 1000 shamies annual
ly : the latter cultivate—and both have a few horse and footmen capable
of going out to war.
Baij Families. Tents. Usual abode.
Al-Hakarseh
As-Sueyd
Saadeh
200 Niffar.
200 NifFar.
200 Niffar and Mesherak.
These families are of Bedoin habits and origin. They are remarkable as
good horsemen, and can mount about 500 spearmen. They ha\e few match
locks and domestic cattle, but abundance of camels, amounting it is said
to 5000; Their Sheikh is Aziz-al Kaim ibr Shian.
Arjiyd Family. Tents. Usual abode.
Ashireh Arfiya 400 From Shumli to the Hye in Irak.
This tribe is smaller than the Al-Baij, but like its people are classed as
Bedoins. They can muster 300 horsemen, armed with spears, but have few
matchlocks. It is said they have 3,500 head of camels, but in other cattle they
are considered poor.