'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.' [‎23] (66/905)

CHAP. II.] WATERFALL OF THE BERDIZAWI.
23
direction, through the mountains. At 37° 19' N. latitudeifccmmeto
it bends to the S.W., along a fine valley, in which are many
villages and delightful groves, with varied and abundant
vegetation. After passing near the southern side of the
town and castle of Julamerik, the capital of the Chaldean
Christians, it flows onward, separating the high mountains
on the northern, and the still loftier peaks of Jawur Tagh
on the southern side. It is joined by the Berdizawi, or
western branch, near the village of Kiyau in Warendun, in
about 34° 5' N. latitude, and 43° 26' E. longitudeand the
space between these two arms near their confluence is occupied
by the huge mountain mass called Mekannah. 2 The Berdi
zawi, which bears the local name of the Little Zab, is under
stood to spring from the slopes of Erdish Tagh, some miles
southward of the eastern extremity of lake Van; from whence
it winds through limestone formations in the general direction
of S.S.E. to the point of junction. In the latter part of its
course it is augmented by the Mar Hannan, and several other
streams. On both sides of the river the country is well
cultivated, and contains numerous villages, which communi
cate with each other by means of bridges formed of twigs
twisted together with much ingenuity. 3 Soon after a large
tributary from the N.E. enters the Berdizawi near the village Tributary near
of Leihun, the river throws itself, with a cloud of foam and
spray, over the succession of limestone terraces, which form
at this place a great and striking waterfall ; 4 and, a little
lower, it joins the eastern branch. After the junction of the
two great arms, the Zab takes the direction of the western
branch; that is, S. of E., till at about 12 miles E. by N. of
Amadiyah it sweeps round to the east, and soon afterwards
receives a moderate-sized stream, which comes by an easterly
course from beyond that town. From hence the general
direction of the trunk is rather N. of E. along the great
valley between the Tura Tobi and Zibar mountains on the
north, and those of Zibeiri on the south, as far as a point
1 Ainsworth's Visit to the Chaldeans: p. 47, Part I. Vol. XL, of the Royal
Geographical Journal.
^ Ibid., p. 48. 4Ibld -