'Military Report on South-West Persia, Including the Provinces of Khuzistan (Arabistan), Luristan, and Part of Fars' [‎267] (306/466)

267
R oute N o . 3A —contd.
From Gnlpaigdn to the Zarda Kuh, fyc. —contd.
ooc
^5
Time.
Names of towns, villages, &c.
Distances iit
miles.
Interme
diate.
Total.
Eemarks.
A Persian can exist on 8 sliahis a day; with 12 to 14 shahis a day lie is well off (1 kran =
20 shaliis = 8^), {see page 113). No pensions are given.
When at their homes, they are engaged in agrienltnral pursuits and wear uniform.
For food, see page 106.
17 There are several houses of a superior
class in the village, and that of Hajji
Mustapha Khan is one of the best class
of Persian houses ; the rooms have richly
decorated plaster or wooden ceilings, handsome dadoes, &c. {see page 70).
jKmar&s.-—The bridge of Zaman Khan is 7 farsakhs distant (35 to 40 miles);
Sawardijiin is 6 farsakhs ;
and thence to Zarmun 4 farsakhs.
From Zarmiin to Deh-i-Kurd is 6 farsakhs.
The climate of the neighbourhood is invigorating; its water is good and its soil
fertile. Trees are only found about the villages (poplars). In the winter 6' of snow
is said to fall and the river to become frozen over {see f age 18). The river is, during the
melting of the snow, March to June, unfordable. It is then crossed by a raft of ,, inflated
sheepskins (kalaks). These rafts are only found at stated points on the river, distant far
apart.
A.M.
6
6-45
20tli May 1884,
Chadaqun
100'. Their soil is shaly,
7-5
few poplars growing here.
7-40
Abadi
17
Barometer 23"S 7 ; thermometer 38°.
Bounding a stony undulation, the road,
a narrow mule path, descends a narrow
fertile valley, well cultivated and irri
gated.
By an incline and descent, each of ttt to
i2 for 200 yards, rp-aches a parallel valley.
The country here is a mass of low
grassy undulations rising to a height of
Road strikes the river, 100' to 150' wide,
running in a flat valley, 500 yards wide ;
its banks are gravelly and elevated 1'
above the present water level. There are
7-50
Ascends steeply for 100 yards at
barometer 23 , 45' / (6,780 / ).
i .
6 '
Small village, surrounded by poplars,
vines, and fields of wheat and barley.
Descending at ± for 100 yards again,
strikes the river; barometer 23* 6'' (6,600').
Wheat growing is from Q 7 to 1'
high.
The road winds round and over hills of
shale, and is often a narrow shelving mule
path 3' wide.