_ 44 _ the landing stage which is next to the fortress, where there is a pontoon bridge measuring a little more than a third of a league, with an iron chain. From Basra to the customs-house, which is at the rear of this bridge, there are fourteen creeks on the way, which contain a lot of water at both high and low tides. Seven of them are wide and are without bridges. The other seven have drawbridges made from palm trees. These creeks cut deep into the land and supply water for irrigating all the palm groves outside the village walls. Inside the palm groves beyond these walls there are many tall drawbridges everywhere. This is the main reason why this entrance is so strong and well guarded, for beyond these creeks all the palm groves are surrounded by walls, with narrow paths which give much protection. Item: The bridge has eight pontoons, which are anchored at both low and high tides and are linked one to another by a chain of iron. This chain is very stout and made in two parts. When the galleys sail out a hook is detached from a link that is attached to the pontoons. The same happens when the galleys come in through the space left by the pontoons. The latter are made of wooden planks and people cross them continuously both on foot and on horseback. These planks are movable, and they are lifted
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