'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME II' [‎304r] (612/706)

TABRIZ
595
more suited to the purpose than Tabriz at this season, or indeed at any
season. A brighter sky and purer air than those which the inhabitants of
this town and its environs breathe and live under can scracely be found.
To me it seems as if there truly was ‘ health in the breeze ’ that blows
around me. In fact, the occasional excess of this breeze is about the only
drawback here to comfort, so far as atmospheric influence is concerned for
the temperature is delightful. The sun would be hot during the middle
part of the day but that this breeze cools its ardour effectually ; and we must
forgive the clouds of dust which it raises, even though they blind ard
choke the unfortunates whom business forces to go out during the pre
valence of the gale.
“ During the months of June, July, and August the heat in the town itself
is, no doubt, considerable ; but September relieves the inhabitants in part
and October at times is actually cold. Both heat and cold are dry and
wholesome, quite unlike the stifling alternations which render Tehran and
its environs so unhealthy in summer ; and the evenings and mornings are
at all times heavenly.
‘ £ The inhabitants of Tabriz, too, are blessed with the means of change
of air more than most cities ; its neighbourhood abounds in delightful
mountain abodes, where assuredly the air is of an unrivalled freshness
and purity. About 25 miles southward in the mountains of Sahand, there
is a village called Livan which gives its name to a pleasant valley, in which
runs a fine clear mountain stream. Perhaps not the least recommenda
tion of this retreat is the fine trout with which this stream is tolerably stored,
and which afford both pleasant pastime and food to those who seek its
banks ; and hither do the English residents often repair and pitch their
tents in a climate as cool and bracing as that of the mountains of Scotland
or of Wales. Then, in another direction there is the Chaman or natural
pasture of Ujan, where the royal camp was wont to be pitched and where
the brood mares of the prince are now kept ; and there is Sarab, an ele
vated tract on the road to Ardabil, with its fine trout stream, and the
noble highland district of Khalkhal and Miskin, if you wish to go further
afield. In short, I look upon Tabriz to be the best situated, as it is in point
of fact the first of Persian cities.
The suburbs and gardens of Tabriz extend some miles round the city,
and contain nearly as large a population and in the spring, the latter ap
pearing like one sheet of blossoms, have a most refreshing appearance.
They produce almonds, apricots, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, and some
other fruits.
Resources .—It is considered a good investment of money at Tabriz to
buy a garden into which the purchaser sends gardeners in the spring to
prune the vines and other trees, and put the place in order ; and then sells
the expected produce for a certain sum, leaving the trouble of gathering
and the chance of failure to the buyer. In general it answers well for
both parties, the owner getting a high percentage for capital invested
in it, and the buyer making a good profit on the fruit.
Near the town, and along the foot of the hills, are several flourishing
villages, and the land, being irrigated by numerous rivulets, is rendered
fertile ; but the greater part of the plain is devoid of water, and is of