PERSIAN °VLF, a large closed us, forming a kind of inlet of the Indian Ocean. The entrant's from the Indian Ocean Is by the Strait of Ormuz. which in the narrowest point, between Rae Koli (or Cape Kell), in Persia, and has Mussendom, iu Arabia, is about 33 mile. wide. The gulf extends between 24'' and 30• N. lat., 4S• and LS* 30' E. long. Its general form is that of a curve, the convex aide of which is turned to the south-east. The greatest length in &straight line is atiout 550 miles ; but measured along the curved lino of the gulf, it is 600 miles. In width it varies between 40 and 200 miles. The aria is about 70,000 square miles. The islands which are dispersed over this gulf are estimated at about 1400 square miles.
The navigation of this sea is dangerous and tedious, owing to the numerous shoals and reefs. These shoals and reefs are much more numerous on the southern or Arabian coast, which can hardly be approached in any part by large vessels without the greatest care, and It was accordingly for a long time the refuge of pirates. The most daring of these pirates were the Jawsaiml, who were only compelled to keep the peace by two expeditions sent against them by the English from Bombay, in 1809 and in 1819. The navigation along the northern coast is comparativel7 free from danger. The places which are most resorted to by the shipping are the anchorage between the island of OM= and the town of Oombroon, the small bays of and Derider Chetwar, the reedsteads of 13ualtecr, an,d, north of town, the bay of Jumbo and KU Dilem.
The prevailing wind during the whole year blows from the north west. It is only during the months of November, December, and January that southerly winds may certainly be especially in the Strait of Ormuz, where gales from the aouth-weet and south-south west are sometimes experienced. The southerly winds blowing in winter are frequently accompanied with heavy rains, but the rains diminish towinda the north, so that at Baasora, on the Shat-el-Arab, very l.ttle rain falls. These winds rarely last more than three or four days, and do not extend to the north-western part of the Gulf.
Before the entrance of the gulf, between Cape Jask and Muscat, the currents are variable and uncertain, and usually subject to the wind (from the north-west); they set to the leeward. A current is frequently met with along the coast of Persia, which seta westward for several days together. Vessels therefore which sail to the west, keep close to the Persian shores, where, besides these currents, they are favoured by the land-breezes, which are not regular, but occur from time to time.
The most remarkable of the numerous islands which are dispersed along the shores of the gulf are—Ormuz [Gnaws], Melina, 1:a6s, Busheab, Bahrein (Baitarre), and Karej. Kuhns is the largest island in the gulf, being 54 miles lung and in the broadest part 20 miles wide. The greater pert of the island is sterile, and in some places incrusted with a saline effloreaceoce, but there are also extensive tracts of fertile ground. The population exceeds 5000. Eishm, the capital, at the eastern extremity of tile island, is a place greatly resorted to by native vessels. It has a bazaar well supplied with fruits and provisions. The population is 2000. Left, on the northern coast, on the channel which divides the island from the continent, was once the resort of pirates, bat is now nearly abandoned. Rice is cultivated, and date-trees aro numerous. The island of Kees or Keen is small, but is well cultivated, and produces wheat and tobacco. It has a small town, and a harbour fur native vessels. The island of Busheab contains about 40 square miles. It has a small town, and a harbour at the western end on the 'mirth side, where there is a good anchorage for vessels of large burden.
The island of Karej, or kharrack, contaius about 26 square miles, and is surrounded by reefs except at its north-eastern extremity. It is elevated, and visible at a considerable distance. The date-groves are extensive, and there is abundance of good water. Vessels sailing to Beason obt do pilots here, who conduct them through the dangerous shoals at the mouth of the Shat-el-Arab.