"يوميّات رحلة من بلاد فارس إلى الهند عبر هراة وقندهار. وأيضًا تقرير رحلة إلى العاصمة الوهابية، الرياض في وسط الجزيرة العربية" [و‎‎٨‎١] (٢٦٨/١٦١)

11
ward. They were the pirates at the entrance of the Shut-el-Arab;
but being attacked by the Turks they sailed south, and pitch
ing at their present position, fortified it on the inland side
against the attacks of the Bedouins. The tract around for a radius
of about 8 or 10 miles is considered to belong to them; but it
is, with the exception of two or three forts and their surround-
mg irrigation, entirely unproductive; the water at Kowait itself is
brackish. Nevertheless, Kowait is one of the most thriving
ports in the Persian Gulf. Its craft are large and. numerous, trad
ing with India and the Arabian Coasts. Its sailors are reputed
the best in these regions. Its trade is considerable; importing rice
from Shooshter, Busreh, and the Malabar Coast; corn from the
Persian Coast, dates from Busreh; and timber for ship building
from the West Coast of India. .On the land side it barters with
the Bedouins who, during the winter and spring, bring down
“ row ghan,” wool, and horses; exchanging these for coffee,
rice, and other necessaries. The Bedouins have free access to
^ the town on condition only of leaving their arms at the gate,
where the Chief Sheikh and the Kadhees sit daily to hear the
news, superintend trade, and administer justice. A large dinner
is prepared daily in an allotted hall for the entertainment of
strangers. The currency at Kowait is in Maria Theresa dollars,
Persian krans, and Turkish copper coin. English sovereigns are
occasionally to be found. Bills can be obtained on Busreh,
Bushire, Bombay, and the Wahabee capital. The inhabitants,'
Jews included, enjoy complete religious toleration. No taxes
or duties are levied. Those who can afford it, make the Chief
p. Sheikh an annual present. There seems indeed to be little
Government interference of any kind, and little need for any.
The Kowaitees have a considerable carrying trade, and are per
haps the best boat builders round the Gulf.
In climate, though exceedingly hot in summer, Kowait is
considered remarkably healthy. The diseases seem few, and
scarcelyWpremedy seems to be practised save that of firing with
a hot iron. I learn, indeed, that since my departure my host has
^ cured himself of an attack of cholera by what he devoutly terms
2 *pr-h