'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From December 1854 to March 1856. (New Issue.) Edited by the Secretary. Volume XII.' [‎80] (191/258)

80
COMMANDER F. JONES’S
'ential traders resided there, but the late troubles have sent them away to
escape from the rapacity of the contending Sheikhs. The tribute paid to
the Baghdad treasury by the tribe varies according to its strength, and the
means the Turkish Government has of enforcing it; but ordinarily it may be
computed at a lack and half of shamies a year in money and presents to those
in power. The tribe is rich, however, and could afford to pay much more
than it consents to do. The whole date districts are in its hands, and it
further possesses abundance of cattle, horses and flocks, besides large herd
of camels. The territory is rich also in rice grounds, and there are many
tribes of cultivators living, even rich, under Montafik protection. Of these
the Ahegezair and Beni Mansur are powerful bodies • in themselves.
Next in order to the Montafik is the great tribe of Beni Laam, occupying
both banks of the Tigris from the Hye river to the Hud. They are said to
derive their origin from one Waul, a contemporary and comrade of Khaled in
the wars of Mahomed, whose power united them under a common banner.
Their name, Beni Laam, signifies “ the collected sons.” Like the Montafik
they have become broken from internal jealousies fomented by the Turks.
Two Sheiks now govern separate portions of the tribe. They are thus
greatly weakened. They pay an irregular tribute, but they are assessed at
about a lac One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of shamies, excluding contingent presents.
Ashair Beni Laam Families.
Tents.
Locality.
Al-Syrkheh
100
Ali Ghurbi
Al-Waymi
200
Al Gubboor to the Hills.
Ash Shihhalal
100
Ali Sherki to the Hills.
Al-Khasrej
250
Nahr Saad to the Hills.
Ad Dilfiyeh
70
Jawriyeh to the Hills.
Al-Hassan
250
Jibbevleh.
Al-Nebgan
120
Amareh.
Al-Athhibad
100
Ghardali.
A1-Haifa
400
Habbesiyeh.
Al-Jaasureh
120
Al Jebel.
Al-Awuneh
60
Al Nuaseh.
Al-Harb
350
Kharsaniyeh.
Al-Debbeyis
200
Al Haddam.
Al-Hamzeh
50
Bisheh.
Al-Kananeh al Kamr
500
Amareh.
Aa-Uereissat
600
With the Sheikh.
Al-bu Teradi
400
Amareh.
This is the native estimate of their strength, but I believe it to be much
overstated, an allowance of a gun to a tent I deem to be their strength in
this arm. They are good horsemen, have plenty of flocks and herds,
besides camels and tolerable horses. When at feud with the authorities
they stop the trade by the river, and at all times levy a toll on passing
boats. They encourage cultivators from the Luristan mountains near them,