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SECTION X. 

 GULPH OF PERSIA. 



TlIE entrance into the Gulph of Persia is between Cape Mussendom 

 (or Has el Djebel) in Arabia, on the S. side, in latitude 26° 21' N., and 

 longitude 5G°3S'E., and Cape Jasques in Persia, in latitude 25° 38' N., 

 and longitude 58° 10' E., on the N. side. 



On the Arabian side of the Gulph, the coast, extending upwards of 

 -WO miles, from Cape Mussendom to the Baln*een Islands, is denominated 

 the Pirate Coast. 



RAS EL KHIMA, the capital of the Pirate Coast, is in latitude 

 25° 47 N. and longitude about 56° E. The town stands on a sandy penin- 

 sula, defended in the isthmus by a well-flanked battery with square towers, 

 the sea-line defended by batteries of one gun each at regular intervals 

 between the point and the wall, comprising a space of about 1 £ mile. 

 Many date-trees arc within the walls, and huts, built of their leaves and 

 bamboo supports, form a suburb to the town of flat-roofed houses. There 

 are several castles, one of which is the residence of their Chief, and another 

 a protection for naval stores, &c. 



BAHREEN ISLANDS. — These Islands were surveyed about six 

 years back by Lieut. Tanner. The S. E. anchorage, between the Debil 

 nnd Jellia Shoals, lies in latitude 26° 11 or 26° 12 N., and being sheltered 

 by the surrounding reefs, is preferable, though difficult of access, and it 

 would be imprudent to enter the intricate channel without a pilot, who will 

 come off at the signal of a gun at the edge of the reef. The chief Island, 

 called Bahreen, is well cultivated I the N. shore runs nearly E. and W. 

 Its principal town, called Manama, is at its E. end. It is large and popu- 

 lous, the buildings well constructed, and the appearance of it more decent 

 than any in the Gulph. Its bazar is good, and well supplied with fine 

 cattle, poultry, fish, grain, vegetables, and fruit 



ABAD, another of the Islands, lies nearly N. and S., is very low and 

 sandy, and surrounded by the Jellia Shoals and other reefs, extending 4 or 

 .5 miles. A narrow isthmus divides it into two parts, and which is sometimes 

 overflowed. The N. part is called Sommahec, and the S. division, on which 

 the town is built, Maharag. Ferry boats keep up the communication. 



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