380 
JIDDA. 
at from six to twelve fathom, and where the sea is as smooth as 
glass, when it blows the heaviest gale. The entrance is of course 
difficult, but the rocks are visible when the sun is behind the vessel, 
and the native pilots unerringly steer in safety by the eye alone. 
Even large ships can enter ; but for dows it is a most excellent 
harbour, and the number that even now comes here is very great. 
Sir Home Popham has given an excellent plan of the harbour, which 
differs but little from those of his predecessors. 
An idea has been entertained in England by many able men, that 
Bonaparte, even with the possession of Egypt, would find it im- 
practicable to reach India, from the want of vessels to convey his 
troops. My residence at Jidda has fully convinced me that this 
idea is erroneous ; and Jelani gave me some information on the 
subject, which I think conclusive. He assured me, that the trade 
of Cossier, Suez, Jidda, and Yambo, would at any time supply a suf- 
ficiency of vessels to convey ten thousand men; and added, as a 
proof, that there were at that moment forty dows, either at Suez, 
or on their way thither, to bring down the Pacha and his followers, 
which would carry from fifty to one hundred and fifty men each. 
There would be no necessity for large supplies of water or provi- 
sions ; for, the wind being favourable during nine months of the 
year, they might then run down with such rapidity to Loheia, as to 
find every night a place where these articles would be procurable. 
Thence to Mocha, if the wind should be adverse, they might go by 
land ; and at the latter place vessels, under American colours, might 
be assembled, sufficient for their conveyance to India, without ex- 
citing a suspicion in the British, who would consider them as com- 
ing for the usual supplies of coffee and gums. 
