'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.' [‎271] (338/905)

CHAP. XII.]
THE WESTERN DISTRICTS.
271
above the Black Sea 1 being 6114 feet. Up to the time of
the late Russian war, this tract contained about 100 well
peopled and flourishing Armenian villages ; and on every side
are still found rich grain countries, in which good horses,
fine mules, cattle, and sheep are reared in great numbers. 8
A little further to the west is the well watered and fertile Plains of
plain of Terjan; and, beyond it, that of Erzingan: both of Terj * n '
these plains are covered with fine villages, surrounded by
productive fields bearing the most abundant crops ; and exten
sive gardens, yielding grapes, melons, and other excellent
fruits, in great plenty. 3 The plain northward of Kebban
Maden and of the Frat branch, and the adjoining Ovah of
Kharput, are also described as being well cultivated, adorned
with gardens and studded with villages. 4 The latter district,
the ancient Sophene, is about 36 miles long, and from four
to six broad, and consists of the plains of Kharput, Shin-
shat, and Mezirah: it is watered by numerous streams, and
enjoys a temperate climate; and its soil appears to have always
yielded an ample return to the industrious cultivator. 5 It
produces every kind of grain, as well as grapes, cotton, and
oil, from seed, with wine of superior quality ; and it has, as it
had in ancient times, a redundant population. 6
The country westward of the Euphrates, throughout the and Maiadyah.
extensive pashalic of Sivas and as far as the river Halys, con
tains the rich plains of Malatiyah and Amasiyah, with pic
turesque vales, such as those of Yuz Kat, Parnassus, Tokat,
Zileh, and many others. This tract, which may be considered
as the western paradise, includes the first, second, and third Ar-
menias ; r or, as a whole, Armenia Minor. The numerous slopes
of the western Taurus, here covering nearly 3° of latitude, are
generally wooded; and the uplands which they support,
1 Vol. X. Part III., p. 431, of the Royal Geographical Journal.
2 Journey of James Brant, Esq., through part of Armenia and Asia Minor
in 1835.—See ibid., Vol. VI. Part II., p. 200.
3 Ibid., p. 202. * Ibid., p. 207, and Vol. X. Part III., p. 365.
5 Mr. Ainsworth's Travels and Researches in Asia Minor, Mesopotamia,
&c., Vol. L, pp. 291, 292.
6 Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, Vol. VI. Part II., p. 207.
7 Chap. V.