'Routes in Arabia' [‎757] (788/852)

R oute N o . 201—cqiM.
tho gap there was a small hamlet (Ashkaftu, 7 houses of Surkhl
Kurds).
A few minutes' descent brings us out on a grassy but stony
plain, where we encamp close to the half dozen tents of Ahmad
Agha, a Surkhi Kurd. The place is called Ashkar, which name
is said to mean " cave." The Shaqawah hills are visible,
bearing about south by east, and the gorge by which the Zab
River issues from the mountains is to the north-north-west,
one or two miles distant. This gorge reminds one of the opening
by which the Indus makes its final exit from the hills at Kala-
bagh and the general lie of the country is not dissimilar.
ASHKAR TO KANDIL We intended to cross
FERRY. the Zab without going
further down its bank
than necessary, and to make for ' Aqrah, then a centre of political
interest because of the operations in progress against the Shaikh
of Baraizan. We accordingly made for Kandil, which is marked
in the War Office map. One and a half hours, at a foot pace
brought us to Kandil; it was a continuous descent, first over
stony hills, then over grassy downs, and finally over rich meadows
of white clover. There were numerous springs, on the way
down, making the ground soppy. At 35 minutes from the start,
at about the steepest part of the descent, wc passed Barzin,
a village of 20 houses of Surkhi Kurds.
1 KANDIL 1 hrs. 30 mts. Kandil itself is a group
of 4 or 5 houses of Surkhi
Kurds, with a fruit gar
den containing figs, vines, etc. The meadows about were
full of black tents, and ploughing was going on. At Kandil
the exit of the Zab from the hills lies north-east; on the east side
of its gorge stands the high Galaizai hill, on the .west Baixat, stiU
higher. ' . • ■ ;
2 FERRY. 1 hr. 53 mts. ' The ferry was not at
KandTl at this time but
a mile or so below. To
reach it we move along cliffs formed by a projection of the higher
downs. At 8 minutes from Kandil we cross a small stream
runn.ng down a gully to the river. In 23 minutes from Kandil
we reach the crossing place. A little bolow it the Zab is ioined
' Ashltar (»bout 7 hours, but the baggagr took about 9^,)