'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME II' [‎102v] (209/706)

192
GlLlN
salmon, mullet, trout and carp being the principal varieties. In the
Enzali lagoon 300,000 carp have been netted in a single day.
The cows of Mazandaran and Gilan are of small size and resemble the
lesser breeds of that animal in India ; they have small humps, bilt those
of the bulls are larger ; they differ from the cattle of Upper Persia, which
are of a better size, have less of the hump, and sometimes resemble the
English breeds. The sheep are all small, and of the common-tailed sort;
but few of the “ dumbas ” or fat tailed sheep, so common in other parts
of Persia are here to be seen, the few there are have been brought chiefly
as pets or by some accidental circumstance.
No large horses are bred in these provinces, as neither the climate nor the
nature of the country seem at all adapted to them, but there are excellent
ponies that answer all purposes much better. They are strong, stout ani
mals, very much resembling Highland ponies, which will carry enormous
loads through their worst roads in winter. Nearly 300 lbs. is the usual
load, but they often carry a great deal more.
Horses, cows and sheep are fed upon rice straw, with which also the
poorer classes thatch their houses.
There is a great variety of birds in the woods. The pheasant is very
plentiful; also the wood cock in its season, and the lake and its reedy
islands and the marshes harbour myriads of wild fowl of many kinds. In
summer the swarm of gnats and flies render a residence in this country
far from agreeable.
The wild animals found in Gilan are the tiger, panther, wild boar, jackal,
and marten, and an animal called the “ vaspan, a sort of lynx, and the
wild cat. There are more than one species of goat and deer; of the latter
there is a fine animal called the “ maral.” •
The principal exports of Gilm are, silk to France ; rice, timber, dried fish
and fruits to Hussia.
The principal imports are cereals, piece-goods, hardware and sugar.
The proximity of Russia and cheapness of transport for Russian goods,
combined with industrial progress in Russia, have been dominant factors
in the increase of Russian imports at the expense of the United King
dom, but, in spite of these advantages, Manchester holds its own. Man
chester white shirtings, for example, enjoy a monopoly. There is no
direct trade between the United Kingdom and Gilan, all prints, shirtings,
etc., reach Rasht through Baghdad and Tabriz. Hardware and sugar
are practically Russian monopolies. For the Consular trade report of the
Caspian provinces for 1909—1911 see under ‘ Rasht ”.
Military—Oi the military resources of Gilan, not much is known. The
Gllaiks are not held in much estimation as soldiers by other Persians, though
Shiel says they make good irregular troops in their own jungles, and
certainly their conduct in repulsing with heavy loss the Russian attempt
to advance on Rasht does not speak against them.
There is a British Vice-Consul at Rasht, a French Vice-Consul, and a Rus
sian Consul.
Administration .—Gilan is under a Governor, who usually resides at
Rasht.—