'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.' [‎272] (339/905)

272 the murad valley and lake van. [chap. xii.
though but partially cultivated, are fertile in corn, prolific
in pasture, and contain the towns of Malatiyah, Divrigi,
Arab-Kir, Tokat, Gurun, Sivas, Amasiyah, and others, with
the addition of numerous villages; whose inhabitants, as in
ancient times, enjoy a fine climate, together with a fair por
tion of the comforts of life.
Cappadocia. This region also represents Cappadocia, which, according to
Strabo, has a width of 1800 stadia, from Pontus to the Cilician
Taurus, and about 3000 stadia in length, from Lycaonia and
Phrygia to the Euphrates. 1 He adds, that its mines contain
the onyx, the crystal, the celebrated vermilion of Sinope, and
a stone resembling ivory; it likewise produces grain, fruits,
wine, and cattle of all kinds in abundance. 2
Lake e v' about ^ eastern s ^ e 0 f the Euphrates we find the productive
valleys through which runs the Murad branch of that river,
besides the splendid scenery of Mush, Bitlis, and the shores of
lake Van. 3 The latter are covered with poplar, tamarisk,
myrtles, and oleanders, whilst numerous verdant islands scat
tered over its placid bosom offer a prospect altogether enchant
ing.
The country, moreover, enjoys a temperate climate, and
its sky is almost always serene. 4 Another traveller, who is
more brief, but not less expressive, says, the scenery of lake
Van is the most beautiful he has ever seen in Asia; 5 and
Mr. Brant designates the gardens in the vicinity as the great
charm and boast of Van: in one place they cover an area
of seven or eight miles long by four miles broad, with vine
yards, orchards, and melon grounds. 6
TigriT 0ftbe Between the Euphrates and lake Van lie the verdant plains
of the Tigris: these, except where open spaces are left for the
growth of maize, melons, gourds, and cucumbers, are covered
1 Strabo, lib. XII., pp. 537 and 539.
2 Ibid., pp. 539, 557.
3 Arissa Palus, and Mantiane of Strabo.
4 Jaubert's Voyage en Armenie et Perse, p, 127.
5 Colonel Shiel's Journey: Journal of the Royal Geographical Society,
Vol. VIII. Part I, p. 63.
6 Mr. Brant's Journal.—Ibid., Vol. X. Part III., p. 391.