GOVERNMENT OF ARABIA. 169 



Niebuhr states that more than 800 boats were en- 

 gaged in this species of naval industry. 



The isles of Bahrein may be considered as part of 

 Hajar, and were formerly subject to the lords or 

 kings of Lahsa. They were taken possession of, 

 after many revolutions and changes of masters, by 

 the combined arms of the Portuguese and Persians ; 

 and Antonio Correa, the leader of the former, add- 

 ed the title of Bahrein to his name. The cause of 

 this expedition was the refusal of Mocrim, sheik of 

 Lahsa, to pay tribute. The chief was beheaded, 

 and the Portuguese commander, in memory of the 

 share which he had in this event, was authorized to 

 bear a king's head in his coat of arms, which the 

 historians of his own country say is still borne by 

 his descendants. These islands are two in number ; 

 the larger is called Bahrein, an appellation which 

 seems modern, for Abulfeda and the Arabs of the 

 coast call it Aval ; the smaller retains its ancient 

 name of Arad. The length of the former is about 

 ten miles, and its breadth five. Its general appear- 

 ance is low ; but it is every where fertile, well wa- 

 tered, and supports a numerous population. The 

 whole soil is industriously cultivated, producing 

 dates, figs, citrons, peaches, and other fruits. It is 

 reckoned to contain no fewer than 300 villages. Mi. 

 nawah, the principal town, is large and populous, 

 and has a good harbour, with twelve caravansaries. 

 Here many wealthy merchants reside, and carry on 

 an extensive commerce with India, as well as in 

 supplying the Arabian markets with the manufac- 

 tures and productions of that country. 



This island is remarkable for its springs of fresh 

 water arising in the sea. One of these gushes up 



