'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.' [‎202] (261/905)

202
THE CHAAB COUNTRY.
[CHAP. IX.
lower portion of its course, the line of separation between
this province and that of Fars. The eastern and larger
branch comes from Fars, and is formed by the junction of
the Harharas with the Rudkhonick-Shir, and other afflu
ents, at a spot about 20 miles W.N.W. of Shiraz. Its course
is north-west as far as the considerable village of Fai-
lioun, from whence, much diminished by irrigation, it runs
nearly west to Zehitoun, and there it receives the Keir-abad
river, or Tab 1 branch, which comes thither along the borders
ol Fars, by a W.S.W. course, passing eight miles eastward of
Be'ibahun. The river, now of considerable size, preserves a
western course as far as Indian, a town of about 4000 inha
bitants ; up to which, when ascended by Lieut. Whitelocke,
of the Indian navy, in 1836, it was found to be navigable for
boats of twenty tons. From hence the river inclines more
southward, and has a tortuous course through an alluvial
soil to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. : an extensive population have their
dwelling on its banks.
Although, like the rest of the province, belonging to
Persia, the southern portion of Khuzistan (anciently Cissia),
which extends westward almost from the Indian to the
Kerkhah, may in some degree be considered as a separate
government under the Sheikh of Ka'b (Chaab), who pays a
moderate annual tribute, in lieu of all taxes, to the shah.
This chief derives his income from the goods imported through
Mohammerah, as well as from the extensive rice-grounds and
tine date-plantations along the Shatt el Arab, Karun, and
Jerahi. He also draws a revenue from the manufacturers of
the thriving town of Dorak, which is his principal residence.
The Beiglerbeggie of the province resides almost entirely in
Dizful, though the capital is Shuster. The latter city con
tains about 20,000 inhabitants, and probably between 5000
and 6000 houses, partly in ruins. These cover an elevated
and insulated piece of ground, extending from the left bank of
the western Karun to the right bank of the eastern branch.
Within its dilapidated walls there is, on the western side, a
castle overlooking the fine bridge constructed by Shapur, and
The Masan of Abu-l-fedd.—Translation by Mr. Rassam.