'DIARY OF A TOUR IN THE PERSIAN GULF AND IN TURKISH ARABIA, DECEMBER, 1906 (WITH MAP)' [‎6r] (11/106)

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surroundings. You have to go 30 miles
inland before you come across so much as
a blade of green grass. The Maskat grapes
and dates famed in commerce come from far
inland and are merely shipped at this aban
doned volcanic crater. Still, with all its
drawbacks as a place of permanent residence,
it is undoubtedly an interesting place to
see, as being out of the regular track and
possessing some international importance.
Its chief trade would appear to be that con
nected with gun running ; the local shops
literally bristling with arms. We only had
the briefest of stays in Maskat, but during
the time available Captain Hay noted the
following items:
Notes on Maskajt.
“ Harbour open to north-east. Deep water
close in. Circle of hills commanding town
with small towers at intervals, capable of
holding from 20 to 30 men each. Stone wall
on land-side of town 12 feet high running
from hill to hill. Wall cannot be outflanked
if hills on each side are held. Wall loopholed
at intervals of about 2 feet, height of ban
quette 6 feet. Thickness of parapet wall
2 to 2J feet. Thickness of wall at base 5 feet
6 inches. Four or five towers along wall.
Principal one guarding gate. Wall is nearly
parallel to sea front at distance of about
250 yards. This is depth of town. On land-
side of wall good field of fire, to west of
gateway large collection of huts of matting,
etc., which come close up to wall. Circle of
hills come right down to wall on flanks,
in centre distant about 800 yards. Esti
mated that 5 or 6 piquets on hills would
prevent sniping into town, dowers on
hills could be utilized for picquets. Wall in
crumbling state and could not withstand
field artillery. Sultan has two forts which
would be quite useless. Landing can be
effected to south of town. Sandy beach,
no road, but suitable for infantry. Said
to be a few modern guns in west fort.
Calibre unknown. Kemainder guns seen.
Old bronze muzzle-loaders. Observations
made from east end of wall.”
We left Maskat about lunch time, and
steamed northwards over a smooth sea up
the Gulf of Oman and towards the entrance
of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . This we reached about
Musandim ' 4 in the morning, and as I was particularly
anxious to see the Musandim promontory,
which marks the entrance to the Gulf on
the Arabian side, I had arranged with one of
the ship’s officers to call me. There was a
good moon, the sea was like glass, and cne
had an excellent view of the wild and rocky
headlands and detached islets which mark
the entrance. M e passed close to these.