198 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
CHAPTER XV. 
MASCAT.— -THE GOVERNOR. THE HARBOUR. 
A few hours after we saw the Mahratta pirate- 
boats, we were towed into Mascat harbour, the wind 
having subsided to a complete calm. We passed a 
frigate belonging to the King of Omar, which we sa- 
luted, and the compliment was returned. On the 
following day we paid a visit to the Governor and his 
son, who treated us with great courtesy, entertaining 
us with fruit and sherbet. The house, which was 
near the water, was rather a mean building; nor 
was his Highness's suite either numerous or splendid. 
Some eight or ten Arabs, equipped in a shabby mili- 
tary costume, stood at the entrance of the veranda, 
forming a sort of guard, and marshalled in military 
order, to pay us the customary honours as we passed 
over the Governor’s threshold. 
The Imaum of Mascat bears the title of King 
among the people under his domination, which is 
mild and equitable. His capital is a town of some 
importance. Immediately behind it there is an exten- 
sive ridge of naked rocks, rising to a vast height 
from the surface of the strait ; and the whole aspect 
of the surrounding country is that of almost com- 
plete sterility. Date-trees, which will grow in very 
