5 EXTRACT FROM A REPORT ON THE WORK AT RAS AL KHATMAH FOR JANUARY, 1957 Drainage: Earth was removed from the trench inside the garden to a depth of 25 feet and an outer trench was dug to the depth of the gravel layer which was struck at about 5 feet. There was still no flow of irrigation water into the drain, which will be deepened by another foot in an endeavour to investigate the drainage problem in this area. 2. Wells: The well at Site 10 has been completed to a depth of just over 39 feet, without reaching the boulder layer reported by ABSCO to be at 38 feet. At this stage, however, the diggers could not keep pace with the flow of water which was sufficient to keep the pump running for five hours at a high rate and indefinitely when working at speed controllable in the irrigation channels. Further digging may be necessary if the water level drops appreciably during the summer. Work was commenced on the well at Site 8, where water shortage was originally experienced. The well sides are being cemented as the work progresses. A further 5 feet will have to be dug out before the water level is reached. 3. Rainfall: During January 1 - 2 approximately one inch of rain fell in the area of the Trials Station. This rain was widespread but did not cause any of the wadis to flow appreciably in this area. During 23 - 25 January very heavy rain fell, estimated at more than three inches. The protecting trenches around each of the garden sites were filled but no damage was done inside the agricultural areas, At Site 10 the effect of rain in the hills was noticed six hours after rain in the valley had ceased, as this site lies at the extreme end of a small wadi leading from the hills. At Site 11, however, the surrounding trench and bund which had been completed were badly damaged by the same wasi. This site will be left pending the next visit of the Agricultural Adviser and the possibility of an alternative site. will be disained with lei. 4. On January 27, two days after the last of the rain, the level of the open drain at Site 10 had risen by one inch. This new level has been maintained despite considerable pumping. of sorghum and lucerne 5. On the last day of the month planting was started in Site 10. 6. During the month I visited Dhaid, Manama and Fallaj ahl Ali. I also accompanied Shaikh Saqr of Shrajah to an area 20 miles east of Sharjah in the sand 3 where the petroleum company is at present operating. The Shaikh had an idea that cultivation could be started in that area, but I think he was carried away with the idea that the oil company should drill some wells. It was necessary to discourage him as the water which I tasted at several open wells, the depth of which was between 65 and 100 feet, was noticeably saline. The whole area is subject to very high winds; the track to Sharjah is very bad; the local inhabitants are true Bedu and have little inclination to practise agriculture; and, lastly, the areas which could be cultivated are narrow plains between sand dunes and are natural sumps. The effect of salts was very noticeable on the surface in much of the area which was visited, which would make it most unsuitable for cultivation.
