'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.' [‎223] (286/905)

CHAP. X.]
CITY OF YEZD.
223
ern parts of Khorasan are almost entirely a plateau, now
thinly peopled, and but partially cultivated.
The district of Yezd, one of the most important of these District,
oases, produces fruits, silk, and cotton, in abundance, with,
however, a more limited supply of grain, owing to the
deficiency of irrigation. 1
The city is surrounded with gardens, beyond which there and city of
is a sandy plain nearly inclosed by high hills, and at a short Yezd "
distance from the frontiers of Kirman. It contained about
7000 families, one-third of whom are industrious Gabrs.
It is of moderate size, well peopled, and cheap, 2 and celebrated
for the beauty of the women. 3
Being the great caravan depot between the countries lying
east, west, and north, and having the additional advantage
of producing carpets, felts, cotton, and superior silk manufac
tures, it is a place of greater trade than any other in the
empire. 4
At the distance of four farsangs from Yezd is the rich
plain of Baft, watered by a fine stream, on which are nume
rous country houses; it enjoys a fine temperature. 5
According to native accounts, many of the other oases are
extensive, and contain populous towns, such as Khubbus, to Khubbus.
the S.E. of Yezd; Tubbus, to the N.E.; Turbut, Kaff,
Gunah-abad, and other places; among these may be noticed
Bushrewgah, which is said to contain a population of 30,000
souls, and Turshiz; and the latter is described as a perfect
garden. 6
Several of the plains and valleys of the mountains are very
fine, especially those along the slopes northward of Mushed.
The fertile district beyond Kalat Nadiree is 50 or 60 miles
in length by 12 or 15 in width; it is well watered, and con
tains about 2000 families, who are protected by steep and
1 Captain Christie : Pottinger's Travels, p. 421.
2 Edrisi, p. 419; Tome V., Recueil de Voyages, &c. Paris, 1836.
3 Tavernier, p. 44.
4 Captain Christie's Visit; p. 421 of Pottinger's Travels.
5 JiMn-Ndmeh'.
6 Lieutenant Conolly's Journey, Vol. I., p. 281.