'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME I' [‎24v] (53/820)

40
AST—AST
70°, distance 170 miles. Following the same course, and passing the Baku
group of islands, a greater or less depth of water will indicate any deviation
of the course to east or west. Above the latitude of the Kura Rock the
remarkable depth of 18 fathoms is met with, with a rocky bottom, which
shows a slight deviation off the course to the west. If this deviation should
be considerable, the above-mentioned deep water will be left to the east, and
then it will be necessary to be on the look-out for the Kura Bank and
St. Ignatius. In case of doubt, or when encountering strong easterly winds,
it is best to make for the Kura Rock, and, having determined its position,
continue the course according to circumstances. From Enzali to Apsharun,
the course is north-west 15°, and the distance to the latitude of the Shah-
kuf sand-spit is 171 miles. Off the island of Los the depth of water in the
course is about 35 fathoms, and, as the Shahkuf sand-spit is approached, the ~
depth gradually decreases to 9 or 10 fathoms. From the Ashurada light
ship to Astara the course is north-west 70J°, and the distance 268 miles ; to
the Kura Rock, north-west 611°, distance 254 miles ; to the north-east bank,
north-west 574°, distance 263 miles, leaving the Kura Bank 5 miles to
the north, and passing its meridian in a depth of about 25 fathoms,
from which spot to the north-east bank is 12 miles. If the depth on the
meridian of the Kura Bank should be less than the above, it indicates either
that the course has deviated to the north or that the ship is near the shore.
As, however, the sea between the Kura Bank and the Kura Rock is quite
free from any danger from hidden rocks, it is best to keep some degrees
lower so as to pass near the Kura Rock ; and, when the shore is seen, to change
the course as much as may be necessary to the north. The course from the
Ashurada lightship to Baku is north-west 44°, and the distance of the island
of Nargin, directly on which the course lies, is 278 miles. The bank of
Makarof, 9 feet high, is left 4£ miles to the west. As soon as a ship passes
the latitude of this bank, the Baku towns of Ushi and Apsharun are sight
ed, on which the course can always be directed. The course to Apsharun is
north-west 41°, and the distance to the sand-spit of Shahkuf about
260 miles.
Lastly, if it is desired to go from the Ashurada lightship to the eastern
side of the naphthian rocks ,a course north-west 36° must be held. As the
latitude of these rocks is approached, it is necessary to cast the lead and
to avoid a depth of less than 23 fathoms. The distance is about
245 miles.— (Pushchin.)
ASTARABAD (District) (No. 3)—
The greatest width of the district, excluding the tributary Turkoman
Extent and nature of tracts from the Kara Su to the borders of
country. Shahrud, is about 40 miles ; its greatest length
6 a , verage i J ld ^ from Gulugah, east to the limits of Kuhsar
scarcely more ^than 12 a b ou ^ 100 miles. By its natural features it is
miles. conveniently divided into two longitudinal
sections—the northern or lower, consisting of
plain, the southern or upper of mountain. The plain between the Bay
Ashurada and the mountains, known as the Anahzan buluh, has a width of
about 8 miles ; between the Kara Su and the mountains it widens to about
-4
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