'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.' [‎109] (158/905)

CHAP. VI.]
MANUFACTURES, IMPORTS.
109
tha, and a superabundance of dates ; but the principal wealth
of the people is derived from their vast flocks.
The chief manufactures are slippers, shoes, boots, some Employments
silks, coarse cottons, the abbas, or cloak, universally worn by of the people "
the Arabs, the gaily striped kerchief of silk and cotton mixed,
which is invariably used to cover their heads, and the coarse
black tent, which forms the dwelling-place of a large portion
of the people throughout the year. To these manufactures
may be added some elegant embroidery on cloth and leather,
with other ornamental work of a like nature. A great num
ber of sawyers and carpenters are occupied in preparing tim
ber, and in the construction of edifices and furniture of that
material; and a still greater number of artizans are employed
in making or repairing the ordinary culinary utensils of copper
and tin. To these may be added a limited number of indivi
duals who find occupation as gold and silversmiths in the
bazaars of the principal towns, making seals, rings, and the
more ordinary ornaments for women.
During the last twenty-five years, the pashas have succeeded
in drawing to the capital almost the entire commerce of the
country. Fleets of large well-built boats descend and ascend
the Tigris with cargoes to and from the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; but
the mass of the trade is carried on by caravans, which branch
in different directions from this great emporium.
From Persia and Kurdistan are brought silk, coarse wool- imports,
lens, shawls and carpets of Cashmere, Kirman, Yezd, &c. ;
stuffs, gum-rahabat, fur-skins, tobacco, rose-water, galls,
dyes, &c.
From Turkey, soap, cotton, linen, silks, embroidered mus
lins, opium, copper, and stuffs.
From Arabia, incense, myrrh, galbanum, raisins, gums,
drugs, and coffee.
From Europe, Egypt, &c., grey cloths, prints, calicoes,
long cloths, sheetings, twists, hardware, and cutlery, all Eng
lish. Also fine French and German cloths, cutlery, lead, tin.
West India coffee, indigo, cochineal, velvet and satin stuffs,
drugs and spices.
The exports are wheat, barley, rice, and other grains; Exports.