'Narrative of a Residence in Koordistan, and on the Site of Ancient Nineveh; with Journal of a Voyage down the Tigris to Bagdad and an Account of a Visit to Shirauz and Persepolis.' [‎159] (194/450)

CH. XIX,]
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CHAPTER XIX.
Departure from Bagdad—The Diala—Tank Kesra—Scattered
Ruins—River winding—Long Lines of Ruins—Mud Fort—
Ertcamptnent of Arahs—Ruins at Taj—Great Ruins—Building
with Arches—Mounds—Treasure, found—Swarms of Musqui-
toes—Aral) Tribe of Davar—Defeats the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. of Bagdad's
Army—Jumbal—Remains of a supposed Bridge—The Village
of Koot A1 Amara—The live—Mountains in sight—Immense
expanse of Water—Camp of the Beni Lam Sheikh—Clump of
Trees—Ruins—Jungle of Tamarisk—Ruins of two ancient
'lowns—Dreary Morass—Arab Encampment—Boats loaded
with Dates—Fine grove of Trees—Canal—The Hhud—Danger of
one of our Boats—Albu Mahommed Arabs—Their Habitations
—Wild appearance — Their Canoes—Tomb of Ezra—Albu
Mahommed Arabs—Removal of their Camp—The Women—
Koorna—The Pasitigris, or Shat ul Arab—Arrival at Bussora.
May 11.—W e got under way in the yacht at
half past seven, with a south-east wind. The river
very full, though not yet at its highest. We passed
Hajee Abdulla Aga's garden, which is the last be
longing to Bagdad, at ten minutes before eleven;
arrived at the mouth of the Diala at one *, and
anchored at our old station at Hodheifa, opposite
Tauk Kesra f, at half past five.
The weather was squally and threatening, so we
did not get under way again that night.
* From the Diala to Tauk Kesra is noted in a former Journal,
t For an account of Tauk Kesra, see the Journal above referred
to, which will be found in the Appendix.— Ed.