"تقرير عن رحلة إلى تستر، دزفول، بهبهان، وشيراز" [و‎‎١‎٥‎٠] (٢٨/٢١)

21
If the Karoun were opened it might perhaps be possible to take advantage of water
carriage for goods intended for Ispahin as far as Ahwaz, there land them, and take
them across the plain to Ram Hormuz. To go from the latter place to Behbeban would be
out of the way, and the Jerahi in flood must often offer a serious obstacle, but it would
be worth seeing if a practicable road could not be found between Ram Hormuz and
Felat.
The road from Ahwaz to Ram Hormuz is perfectly level, but I am fully aware that
there are objections to it, one being the scarcity and bad quality of the water, and
another the fact that the presence of Arab tribes renders the country insecure.
KVA December .—Rain fell during the night, but the clouds dispersed in the morning.
The Nasseer-el-Mulk came to call upon us, and insisted upon our taking six sowars.
We thought the number excessive, but bowed to his wish. It turned out afterwards
that he was taking the opportunity of our journey to send Government money to
Shiraz, and in reality we rather acted as an escort to the treasure. However, it is fair
to say that all the Nasseer-el-Mulk’s men proved useful and obliging, and had more
over a wholesome dread of his authority.
Leaving the town at 9.15 a.m. we rode in an easterly direction through a singularly
uninteresting country to the Khairabad or Shirin river, which we crossed and camped
about three quarters of a mile from its banks. The road was stony and the country
uninhabited; we had to take all our supplies, as none were to be obtained near the
camp. Distance four farsakhs.
On the banks of the river there is a thick cover of willow, tamarisk, &c., in which
francolin are plentiful, two woodcocks were also seen.
Wth December .—Left at 5.30 a.m. A ride of an hour and a half and a gentle rise
brought us on to the extensive plain called Sahrai Leshter, which is about 12 miles
long by 4 broad, and is covered with “ konar ” trees. The plain was dry and parched
when we saw it, but no doubt it affords good pasture in spring. Passed a small
Kashgae encampment, but saw no other habitation till we reached our halting place.
At the further end of the plain a small stream called the Shems-uLArab is crossed,
the first water since Khairabad. After crossing this stream the road winds through
hills and becomes rougher and more stony, one hill being a little steep. One ascends
steadily the whole way to Do-Gumbezan (2,150 feet), which we reached at 5.30 p.m.,
and where we camped by the side of a small stream. The distance from Khairabad
is called 8 farsakhs, we reckoned it at 26 miles. The village of Do-Gumbezan
possesses a much ruined fort with two tow'ers.
A high mountain called Kuh-i-dil is seen to the north.
During the whole march fuel was plentiful, but water scarce. Lions are said to be
numerous in the neighbouring hills, which seems strange, as there is no thick cover
for them.
12/A December .—Left at 6 a.m., going east. The road soon enters a plain smaller
than the Sahrai Leshter, but with more trees and with some cultivation. Passed the
ruins of two villages and saw many old dried up kanaats, signs of former cultivation and
of greater prosperity than the country now possesses. In fact all over these provinces
one hears but one story, viz., that the country is fine but ruined by exaction.
At the end of the plain the road turns sharp to the north to a small stream situated
in the Tenge Narik ; it then turns east again and mounts a crest (3,150 feet by aneroid).
From this point oak trees are again seen, some of them attaining very fair dimensions.
The road then descends to a valley, but immediately ascends again, and winds along
the side of the hill till the broad valley in which Basht is situated opens up. Passing
over a spur of the Kuh-i-dil it then descends rapidly to the village, which we reached
at 4 p.m.
Basht (2,400 feet) consists of a square fortress with high walls and reed huts
outside.
The road all day had been rather stony, but by no means bad. For two days we
had observed wheel tracks, and on inquiry found that a gun had been sent up to
Basht from Behbehan w ith troops on account of aBouwy Kohgelu chief called Hussein
Kuli Khan having revolted. On the approach of the forces the Khan fled and suc
ceeded in escaping to Bassorah. A brother of his had been accused of putting out
the eyes of three men ; he took sanctuary, but the Nassur-el-Mulk got him out and
had him executed.
The natives call the distance eight farsakhs, it is about 25 miles.
6978. F