'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎326] (435/496)

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Ascended a low ridge of hills termed Melamboo, or Nilambee, which
bounds the plain of Shahri-zur to the south, and separates it from the
Shirwan river. From the summit of this range the river appears like a
succession of deep basins,—abounding in fish, but of no great variety.
Took a course of W. by N. to N. W. over the range before alluded to,
and halted at Gundar,*—a Kurdish village contiguous to an ancient
tumulus,—at 2 p. m. From this position, the S. E. brow of Bamu bore
220°, and the east face of Semiram 227°. It was well determined also
by observation of the Sun and Saturn.
Part of an escort sent by Ahmed Pacha of Sulimaniyeh met us here,
and welcomed us to the territory with true Kurdish hospitality. We
learn from our new friends that many objects of interest exist in the
vicinity, and as we shall miss these by keeping the direct route to the
Turco-Kurdish Capital, we determine on remaining at a place called
Halebjah during the ensuing day.
September 23rd. —Leaving Gundar at 6 A. m., half an hour was
occupied in crossing the same low range in the N. E. direction. At
6*30, arrived at the south limit of the Shahri-zur plain, and observed
bearings as follows: high peak of Avroman mountains, 42°; G-udrun peak,
over the town of Sulimaniyeh, 320° ; an ancient tumulus in the plain
called Tappeh Kureh, distant three miles, 29° ; a high peak of Seghir-
meh range, 268°; Kureh Kazhao, or high peak near the pass leading
through the mountains to Tabriz, 337°. Proceeded onwards at 6*42
along the north limit of the low range in a zigzag direction from N. E*
to E. S. E., till 7*30,—when we reached Halebjah,f a village surrounded
by a few gardens and tobacco fields. Took up our quarters in some com
fortable tents already pitched for our accommodation by the obliging
Pacha, who, in addition, has sent his cousin, with a company of regular
infantry, to escort us to the capital. Sulimaniyeh is stated to be twelve
hours from this position.
September 24^.—Continued our journey at 4*50 a. m., through the
plain of Shahri-Zur, which is now highly cultivated, and abounding
with villages of the Jaf Kurds. At 5*50, examined an ancient tumulus
Crundar by double altitudes of the sun was made in latitude 35° 7 / 42 // N by
an indifferent observation of Saturn, 35° 6' T N. Its Chronometric difference
East of Baghdad is 1° 29' 54 v .
latitude 35 ° 10 ' W N., and East of Baghdad 1° 31' 25 ,/ . From Halebjah
the following bearings were obtained:—Hill over Bamu, 346°: high peak of Avro
man, 38 J°j Gudrun, 316J 0 ; Kureh Kazhao, 3334°.