'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from September 1850 to June 1852. Edited by the Secretary. Volume X.' [‎115] (248/458)

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MEMOIRS ON THE “TIGRIS”
sonally observed the strong ripplings occasioned by their presence
underneath, extending in a broken but straight line of foaming water,
and with some confidence view these masses of masonry as the remains
f t i ie “ wears and impediments" said by Arrian to have been de
stroyed by Alexander the Great, as they offered obstacles to the navi
gation. There can be little doubt, however, but these dams were really
designed for the exclusive service of the canal which opens at Dur and
Alkaim, on the East of the Tigris ; the former mouth being twenty-
five miles, the latter but four above the site of Kanatir, which term
signifies “ the bridges,” a name* in general use for ruined works of this
description among the ignorant Arabs now residing in this vicinity.
Arrian’s misconception of these works cannot, however, be passed over
in silence, forwith thelaudable motive of extollingthe deeds and valour of
theMacedonian hero, he should not, without enquiry, have recorded him
guilty of acts that savour little of the high minded policy which generally
distinguished the conquests of Alexander the Great, or of his expressed
wishes for the improvement of the acquired territories, the revenues of
which in this part were enormous, and principally attributable to the
complete system of irrigation established by ithe Persians. The de
struction of massive works in the rivers such as the Tigris cannot be
remedied in a day, and such an act as Alexander’s must have im
mediately involved whole districts in one common ruin by withdrawing
from the towns on the canals the element not only necessary to the
subsistence of their population, but also required for the irrigation of
the adjoining country. Besides, the demolition of such dykes instead
of rendering the Tigris more navigable, would have the contrary effect
of exposing the river upwards from the sea to a current of double velo
city, in addition to many other evils which will readily suggest them
selves, by a restrained river being suddenly let loose into its old channel
that had, perhaps, been but partially occupied only for years before.
The dams, indeed, made the upward navigation more easy by check
ing the stream, and I have shewn before that beyond Opis, or Manjur,
mthe absence of artificial impediments, the river was not adapted for
proner^ 6 T^ ^ un ^ e^all ’ , Lynch’s excellent map, the singular is thus pronounced Gandtir, or
thft rivL • a ? atlr ’ b e * n g the plural form of the word. I intend visiting this spot in boats when
er is low at the begining of October next.—Vide Supplementi