"تقرير عسكري عن جنوب غرب بلاد فارس، بما في ذلك أقاليم خوزستان (عربستان)، لورستان، وجزء من فارس" [ظ‎‎٢‎٢] (٤٧٠/٤٩)

24
From Khurra to Sadat, elevation 7,200 feet, is a difficult march of 18 miles,
9th June. Sadat, 18 several ridges separated by deep valleys having to be
miles. crossed; that of the Gardan-i-dast-i-Chalkellah, at an
elevation of 9,300 feet and that of the steep and rocky Gardan-i-Chashma-
duzun at 9,570 feet. The descent to Sadat is difficult and steep for some
distance.
The country here may he descrihed to consist of a mass of huge hills
(average elevation 9,000 feet to 10,000 feet) generally covered with a low tree
growth, and separated by deep valleys (general elevation 7,500 feet to 8,500
feet) ; the length of the hills is too great to allow of their being turned ; con
sequently the paths lead directly over them by short and steep zig-zags. If
labour were available, zig-zags of moderate gradients could he constructed
across them without difficulty and the existing staircases of rock turned
into practicable roads. The grazing in the valleys is fairly good; there is
but little cultivation anywhere.
A few years since this road was quite impassable to Europeans. During
the Governorship of the Ihtisham-ul-Daulat, 1877-78, robbery and crime
were sternly repressed with the best results {see pages 302, 307).
At Sadat the vine grows luxuriantly; walnut and mulberry trees flourish.
There are the remains here of a considerable town, buildings of stone
with arched roofs, &e.
From Sadat to Safar-i-ab or Safarioor Saporio, 4,120 feet, is a verv difficult
march of 22 miles, the numerous ascents and descents over
10 th June. Safar-i- slippery rock and boulders becoming most tedious. The
db, 22 miles. first elevation encountered is 8,350 feet high. The de
scent into the Tang-i-Nalf is the most difficult descent (of about 700 feet)
met with in the passage of these hills, being a winding rocky staircase,
untouched by man, and formed in the steep hill side, in the course of ages, by
the passage of the flocks of the Iliyats. The passage of the Tan^-i-Nalf over
immense boulders, takes 1^ hours to accomplish.
Safar-i-ab or Saporio is composed of a few stone huts standing on a small
cultivated plateau, at the head of Tang-i-Nali, formed by the openino* out
of the valley.
This portion of the hills is known as the “garmsir,” being occupied only
during the winter months; the districts already passed over are known as the
“ Sarhadd or “ Sard-Sir,” and are occupied between the months of June and
September.
Safario was unoccupied; between it and the coast, burnt up pastures and
uncultivated grounds only were met with. The mass of the hills may now
be said to be traversed {see details, Part IF, page 302).
From Safar-i-ab to Deh-dasht, elevated 2,850 feet and distant 23 miles,
the track is good except through the Tang-i-Na-Khiida
23 \ 1 iSes Une ' I)eh ‘ d^ ’ sht, ( the Adless pass), a pass which well deserves its name,
hemg 200 feet to 300 feet wide and shut in on either
side by perpendicular cliffs 200 feet to 300 feet high. The passage
the huge boulders which pave it took two hours.
The heat at Deh-dasht was 90° after sun-down. During this march
•several remains of arched stone buildings wcie passed. On the northern side
of the Tang-i-Na-Khnda is an ancient cemetery of some size and pretensions.
Between Ardal and Deh-dasht about half a dozen Lurs were collected nuditlv
by the guide to guard the camp. & J