‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎154r] (312/722)

cotton raised is small ; and it is only within the last two or three years,
since the establishment of a Russian mercantile agent there, that any has
been exported.
In the absence of a regular assessment of the revenue, which is levied
yearly in the shape of contributions, very much at the will of the chief,
and with reference always to other considerations besides that oj the circum
stances of the village or buluk to be assessed, it was difficult to arrive at
any exact estimate of the surplus produce of the district; but, calculated
at a fair average from that of several villages visited, it cannot be
less than 30,000 to 40,000 kharwars, or about 10,000 tons. A very
large amount it may appear in proportion to the numbers of the popula
tion ; but it must be remembered that agriculture, and especially the cul
tivation of wheat, is the only industry of the district, and that the unirrigated
lands capable of bearing crops are of great extent, and return ten and fifteen
fold for the labour of ploughing to the depth of a few inches and sowing
broadcast. On the plateau the same land is never sown two seasons in
succession, each field or hill slope being allowed a fallow of from one to
two or three years.
With the recovery of the ruined districts to the south, the abnormal
extension of the cultivation of the last few years will cease ; but it is not
likely that production will much decrease, as wheat will no doubt always
fetch a remunerative price among the silk and cotton producers of Sabzawar
and Nishapur.
The price of wheat and barley was shortly after harvest—
At Kuclian ...
At Shlrwan ...
In the villages
5 maunds = lbs. 32'65 per bran.
5 „ = „ 32'65 „ „
6 „ = „ 39'18 „ „
The rates are kept up by exportation. At Bujnurd, though less is
produced, the prices were lower. > .
The stores of corn of the Kachan villages would prove an invaluable
resource to any force occupying Mashhad. ^ For even should the people
be hostile, the country is so open and easy, that a force of cavalry might
reach Kuchan in a few hours without any fear of being entangled m
mountainous or difficult ground. . , . ^ „ , . „ . .
The enrolled or paid forces of Kuchan consist, in the first place, of a body
of 1,000 horse, recruited among the Zafaranlu. They
Irregular forces. are moun ted and armed by the chief, and are tho-
roushly efficient for the work required of them. In fact, so good are
both horses and men, that a little better discipline and better arms on y are
reauired to make them thoroughly efficient light horse, admirably fitted to
perform what are now the most important duties of cavalry. In common
fdth all the horsemen of this border, whether Kurd or Turkuman, they are
unused to charge home, as caealry in Europe are, or rather were expected
to do with sword or lance. Their weapon is the gnu, winch they use
always if possible at speed, either when circling round, or retreating from
^EaelXrs'eman receives from 10 to 15 tumdns in cash and an assign
ment on a village for corn to about the same value, making h,s pay up to
I f i o rmipps ner mensem. He lives also, save when at Kuchan, at free
nKs P a sh”: of such Plunder as falls into the chiefs hands
This is sometimes considerable, parties having been known to return with
booty valued at Us. 15,000 to its. 20,000.