'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOL. III. PART I: A to K' [‎109v] (223/1278)

Besides these more important ranges there are numerous shorter ones,
which serve the more to score the surface of this country, and distort from
it any semblance of order and regularity.
Plateaux and Pasture lands .—This general aspect of nature’s convul
sions is modified by the notable plateau of the Chehar Mahal; though
this, from all its physical aspects, may be said to be merely a more
elevated portion of the great central plateau of Persia, on which Isfahan
is situated. Still it is included in the Bakhtiari territory, which also
extends, though under somewhat undefined and contentious conditions,
over the adjoining broad valley or p*lateau-land of upper Linjan as far as
the right bank of the Zindeh Bud. The Chehar Mahal, thus situated
at the north-eastern corner of the Bakhtiari country, is roughly 40 miles
deep and 60 miles broad with an area of some 2,400 square miles, and a
normal elevation above sea-level of 7,000 feet. Its boundary on the
north is the range Kuh-i-Rukh, Badkun, while on the south it is shut in
by the great Zirreh range ; on the east it fringes on the Qashqai country,
while on the west it is enclosed by the tributaries of the Zindeh Rud and
the Kuh-i-Rang. It is also cut up to some extent by some lofty and rugged
mountain ridges, notably the Jehanbin range (13,000 feet) and the Kuh-
i-Ahangari. The level and undulating portion is fine arable or pasture
soil; though but little use is made of it except in the immediate neighbour
hood of villages. It is well-watered by many streams, which are never
dry and all of which drain through the Tang-i-Darkash Warkash into the
tributary of the Kanin, known as the Ab-i-Behishtabad. It is, however,
absolutely destitute of any trees or shrubs, though it is said that oak
trees once abounded on it.
The 'pasture lands of any noticeable extent, beyond the Chehar Mahal,
lie to the south-west on the lowest slopes of these great mountains. The
richest portions are those from the plain of Tfileh westwards to Shushtar
and southwards to Ramuz. The plain of Malamir, covering an extensive
area of some 150 square miles, affords good grazing, though overrun to
some extent by camel-thorn. Beyond these places specially alluded to,
the numberless higher valleys as well as the slopes of the mountains are
capable of sustaining the considerable flocks and herds of the tribesmen
from early summer well on into the autumn.
Woodlands and vegetation .—In comparison with other parts of Persia
this country may be said to be fairly well-timbered, but it is merely a com
parative statement. While nature has evidently intended that it should
abundantly supply its inhabitants with wood for fuel, which is a necessity in
these lofty regions, the latter have done their best to diminish this kindly
provision. It is, in fact, a question of comparatively few years, beyond
which the higher regions must perforce become untenable during the winter
season ; at least in those parts in which the present habitations exist.
As an example, the Chehar Mahal may be taken. This plateau is absolutely
bare of trees, beyond a few specimens of the oak to be found in the neigh
bourhood of Deh-Kurd, while, on the authority of the Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. (1905) Haji
All Quli Khan, the whole district was at one time well-wooded. Evidence
of this is adduced by the timber used in the building of the houses of Deh-
Kurd, much of which is of oak and which further investigation has proved