'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.' [‎257] (292/450)

THE HAMREEN HILLS.'
257
of Bagdad. I have just heard ot a route which in
all likelihood I shall pursue; it will bring me out
through a curious country to Kifri, a line that I have
long been desirous to verify, but which 1 was not
aware could be done.
Selim Aga goes with me by way of a party of
pleasure ; he does every thing he can to amuse me,
and has had the village music lor this purpose, to the
great annoyance ol JBellino. They sung " Jiir Yazi
\azdum," which Selim Aga remarked all the
women of Bagdad were mad after.
Be sure and let me hear from you at Kifri, where
I shall be, God willing, in five days. If no one is
going off directly for Kifri, dispatch a messenger;
indeed I believe this will lie the best plan whether
or no. The thermometer to-day stands at 66°; it is
a delight!ul-feeling day.
March 21,s£.
We left Shehraban about ten minutes before
seven, and were soon agreeably surprised with the
sight of the first rising ground we had seen since
leaving Bagdad, looking something like a down in
England; and shortly after we came to the Bela
Jh-ooz canal, a fine large stream, which we crossed
by a good bridge of one arch.
At half past eight we reached the Ilamreen hills,
no part higher than two hundred feet; the first,
V ol . II. S