'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎32] (75/905)

32
DESCRIPTION OF THE UPPER TIGRIS. [CHAP. II.
on the exterior, either dead walls or ruins; but when viewed
from a distance, and especially from the river, the luxuriant
date groves and rich gardens, contrasted with green domes
and graceful minarets, present a rich and attractive appearance.
Previously to the plague, which commenced its ravages in
1830, there were 110,000 inhabitants; but the number now
scarcely exceeds 65,000.
The Tigris may be considered as having an average width
of 200 yards from Mosul to Baghdad, with a current, in the
high season, 1 of about four miles and a quarter per hour.
The country is highly cultivated, from Mosul to Nimrud, on
both sides of the river ; 2 but, from the latter place to Tekrit,
all cultivation nearly ceases ; and it is but partially found in
the tract along the river between Tekrit and Baghdad. The
Tigris is navigable for rafts at certain seasons 3 from the
bridge of Diyar Bekr to Mosul, a distance of about 296 miles.
Below the latter place it is more or less so throughout the
year; 4 and the descent to Baghdad is performed with such
ease and speed that the river is known by the expressive name
of the cheap camelier. 5 Large rafts supported by 200 6 or
even 300 inflated skins are much in use for the transport of
goods ; and, when the merchants are on board, a small room
is raised on the raft in order to give shelter from the sun and
rain. During the flood season the voyage is performed in
three or four days ; whereas at another time it requires about
fifteen days. 7
At five miles below Baghdad the canal of Saklawiyah, or
Isa, brings, during the season of floods, a portion of the
waters of the Euphrates into the Tigris from a spot about six
1 In March, when Mr. Rich descended. 2 Rich's Kurdistdn, p. 129.
3 Colonel Shiel's Journey: Geographical Journal, Vol. VIII. Part I., p. 89.
4 The Euphrates steamer, under Lieutenant Lynch, went as high as the
bund of Nimrud in 1838; and this officer made a map of the river, from
Baghdad to M6sul, by trigonometrical operations between points which were
determined by astronomical observations. 5 MSS. of Mr. Rassam.
The raft constructed to carry the Right Honourable John Sullivan from
Mosul to Baghdad, in 1781, was supported by 200 skins, and had on it a
small cabin.—Voyage de Sestini a Basrah, p. 153.
7 Niebuhr, Vol. II,, p. 287.