'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎62] (227/524)

62 REMARKS ON THE TRIBES, & c .
1^.—That its town and road are considered less safe; but this
objection is mitigated by the largeness of caravans. An
Abbass Kafla may number from 1,000 to 2,000 camels. \ n
Busbire it is rare to see 100 mules in the same Kafia.
2nd —That the distance from Bunder Abbass to Teheran vid
Yezd is longer than that of Bushire from Teheran vid
Ispahan and Shiraz; but then the Yezd road, as before
mentioned, is easier and less interfered with, hence less
delayed.
97. Looking forward to the possible development of Persian and
Central Asiatic trade from the Gulf line, I should say that, compared
with its area, it must always be small; but that the area, for the supply
of which the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. is the only continuous ocean line, is so
immense, that the trade, naturally seeking its waters would, if not
stifled by authority, rapidly increase, and be very considerable, regard
ed as a whole. The Persian peasant is a frugal, avaricious, trade
seeking man. The climate over the entire area to be served necessitates
clothing. I have never met a man without a hat or turban of some
sort. The Persian Khula is an article of fashion, and may cost any
thing from 10 shillings to ^610. The Illyat wears a felt ; the Persian-
ized Arab a holy turban. Everybody carries a pair of shoes or
sandals on his feet or in his hands. Trowsers obtain in towns, but
are wisely discarded in country, as an impediment to free walking. As
to coats they are universal, of the length of the body, and of all colours
and descriptions. The Persian usually carries all he possesses on his
back; looks cool during his visit; and unpeels seven, eight, or a dozen
outer garments when he gets home. In China-w T are he is a connoisseur,
and it is difficult to deceive him. Arms of all sorts are in request; but
a double-barrelled over and under pistol is wisely preferred to a revol
ver. It is remarkable how long the awkward match or flint-lock holds
its ground; and I cannot but think that it is in some degree due to the
want of a thorough trial of our modern rifles. They appreciate our
fowling-pieces. All this means trade.
98. But the fact is, that in Central Asia, as elsewhere, if you want
to trade, especially in the retail or fancy line, you must study fashion.
If you throw red broad-cloth into a Persian town, or stone-colour,
black, or sky-colour among the Bedouins, they may remain on hand.