'Narrative of a journey to the site of Babylon in 1811, now first published: memoir on the ruins; with engravings from the original sketches by the author: remarks on the topography of ancient Babylon, by Major Rennell; in reference to the memoir: second memoir on the ruins; in reference to Major Rennell's remarks: with narrative of a journey to Persepolis: now first printed, with hitherto unpublished cuneiform inscriptions copied at Persepolis: by the late Claudius James Rich, Esq., formerly the Resident of the Hon. East India Company at Bagdad. Edited by his widow.' [‎13] (40/474)

INTRODUCTION.
xiii
the stones together with iron and lead. During the
day planks of wood were extended from pier to pier,
so as to form a pathway; they were withdrawn at
night, to prevent the people from passing over to
plunder each other. This bridge was, as we have
said, formed by withdrawing the water of the Eu
phrates into the artificial lake: when completed, the
river was restored to its ancient channel; the pro
priety of this mode of proceeding then became ap
parent, by means of which the citizens obtained the
accommodation of a bridge."
The luxury and wealth of the Babylonians seem to
have corresponded with the magnificence of their city.
Herodotus gives a striking proof of the very great
fertility of the soil of the surrounding country. He
says, " All the countries under the great king are
divided into parts to supply provisions for his house
hold and his army, each part furnishing food for one
month. Now, the region of Babylonia is charged
with the supply for four months out of the twelve;
the remaining eight months being provided for by
the whole of Asia. Thus it appears that this As
syrian region, in produce, bears the proportion of
one-third to the entire extent of Asia.* The govern
ment of this region is by far the richest of all the
provinces. Little rain falls in Assyria, but the coz*n
receives its supply at the root, being fed with water
for its nourishment from the river till the ear is
* The Persian dominions in Asia.