'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎81] (128/905)

CHAP. IV.] VEGETATION OF IRAN. ANIMALS.
81
Rice, sesame, with Indian corn and fruits, are cultivated. Grains,
in addition to European grains ; and tliere are two harvests
in the year : the earlier grains ripen in the beginning of
summer ; but there is a lighter harvest in the autumn; 1 the
abundance in each case depending upon the success of the
irrigation. This necessary operation is accomplished by
means of Kanats, from which the water is skilfully conveyed
in small channels to every part of the fields.
The lion, tiger, leopard, hunting tiger, hyena, jackall, tiger- wild and
cat, lynx, gour-khur, or wild ass, wild sheep (argali), moun
tain goat (pauzen), wild dog, porcupine, jerboa, ferret, and
mangoust, are found, in addition to the bear and the ordinary
animals of Europe.
Among the domestic animals the horse holds the principal tame animals,
place, and there are four distinct kinds in Iran. First, the
original Turkoman breed, a large, powerful, enduring animal;
second, the yauboo, or common carrying hack, which is
stouter and rather larger than our galloway. Then the
smaller Arabian breed (first introduced by Nadir Shah) ; and,
lastly, a fourth, between this animal and the Turkoman horse,
the bid-pai (wind-footed), which, being the most prized by
the Persians, is almost always among the horses of a great
man's retinue. It is not the custom of the country to crop
or mutilate this noble creature; but the tails, manes, bellies,
and legs, particularly of their white and dapple horses, are
frequently dyed; and the favourite colours are orange, red,
and yellow. With the exception of that derived from the
Arabian breed, the ass is, in these countries, an inferior
animal; but there is an unusual proportion of mules, which,
though small, are very much used for caravans. This surpris
ing animal seldom goes so few as 30 miles in a day, though
carrying a load of about three cwt., and passing over such
Kuttals, or passes, as would appal even a Spanish muleteer.
Next in estimation, and first in importance where plains The Camel,
and deserts are to be traversed with merchandise, is the
1 Among the products of this season are fenugreek (schembehile), and
another kind of grass, called gontscheh, which grows to a great height.—
Ogilby's Asia, p. 43.
VOL. I. M