"بعثة لإجراء عملية مسح لنهري دجلة والفرات، تم تنفيذها بأمر من الحكومة البريطانية، في السنوات ١٨٣٥، ١٨٣٦، ١٨٣٧؛ تسبقها إشعارات جغرافية وتاريخية للمناطق الواقعة بين نهري النيل والسند. في أربعة مجلّدات. مع أربع عشرة خريطة ورسمًا، ومزينة بثلاث عشرة لوحة، بالإضافة للعديد من الرسومات بالحفر على الخشب. المجلّد الأول." [‎٢‎٧‎٢] (٩٠٥/٣٣٩)

272 the murad valley and lake van. [chap. xii.
though but partially cultivated, are fertile in corn, prolific
in pasture, and contain the towns of Malatiyah, Divrigi,
Arab-Kir, Tokat, Gurun, Sivas, Amasiyah, and others, with
the addition of numerous villages; whose inhabitants, as in
ancient times, enjoy a fine climate, together with a fair por
tion of the comforts of life.
Cappadocia. This region also represents Cappadocia, which, according to
Strabo, has a width of 1800 stadia, from Pontus to the Cilician
Taurus, and about 3000 stadia in length, from Lycaonia and
Phrygia to the Euphrates. 1 He adds, that its mines contain
the onyx, the crystal, the celebrated vermilion of Sinope, and
a stone resembling ivory; it likewise produces grain, fruits,
wine, and cattle of all kinds in abundance. 2
Lake e v' about ^ eastern s ^ e 0 f the Euphrates we find the productive
valleys through which runs the Murad branch of that river,
besides the splendid scenery of Mush, Bitlis, and the shores of
lake Van. 3 The latter are covered with poplar, tamarisk,
myrtles, and oleanders, whilst numerous verdant islands scat
tered over its placid bosom offer a prospect altogether enchant
ing.
The country, moreover, enjoys a temperate climate, and
its sky is almost always serene. 4 Another traveller, who is
more brief, but not less expressive, says, the scenery of lake
Van is the most beautiful he has ever seen in Asia; 5 and
Mr. Brant designates the gardens in the vicinity as the great
charm and boast of Van: in one place they cover an area
of seven or eight miles long by four miles broad, with vine
yards, orchards, and melon grounds. 6
TigriT 0ftbe Between the Euphrates and lake Van lie the verdant plains
of the Tigris: these, except where open spaces are left for the
growth of maize, melons, gourds, and cucumbers, are covered
1 Strabo, lib. XII., pp. 537 and 539.
2 Ibid., pp. 539, 557.
3 Arissa Palus, and Mantiane of Strabo.
4 Jaubert's Voyage en Armenie et Perse, p, 127.
5 Colonel Shiel's Journey: Journal of the Royal Geographical Society,
Vol. VIII. Part I, p. 63.
6 Mr. Brant's Journal.—Ibid., Vol. X. Part III., p. 391.