"كتيّب بلاد الرافدين. المجلد III. ١٩١٧" [‎٦‎٤] (٤٣٢/٧٣)

t
64
RIVER ROUTES
Right Bank
' The oil produced here is distilled from crude bitumen of
the consistency of stiff treacle. Twenty tins of bitumen
yield ten tins of oil, of which two are of the first quality,
two of the second, and six of the third. The first quality is
colourless, the second yellow, the third black, and the third
quality must be refined a second time before it is fit for any
purpose except anointing camels against mange, but more
bitumen is mixed with it before redistillation. The fuel
used for distillation is crude bitumen, and the residue left in
the retort is bitumen and is allowed to flow away. Some
forty to fifty tins of oil are distilled at Ivaiyava daily. The
oil is sold at the distillery at the following rates
1st quality
2nd quality
3rd quality
Per gallon.
7M
5d.
8M
'Even the best oil smells strongly of some impurity ; the
odour resembles that of benzine.
' In the time of Abdul Hamid, Kaiyara belonged to the
Sultan's Civil List, for which it was worked by Ibrahim
Pasha. A French expert was brought from Constantinople,
and about £T5,000 was spent in experiments, probably
borings, but without increasing the yield of the springs. In
1908 there were various competitors for a lease of the
springs, including a European firm. The present plant is
primitive and the buildings are of little value. There were
about 200 tins of refined oil in the store in 1910, of which
more than half was of the first quality.
Low gravel island in vicinity.
Low hills to W. Island in midstream.
Zawiyeh, settlement of Ajl Jebur, 50 permanent houses,
about 200 tents (1910). River water about here reported to
have a sulphurous taste.
Island with large Euphrates poplar trees.
Banks high and bold. Deserted site of Tammeh.
Total
distance
Miles
1364
139
141
1414
142|
144
bi
U
Sii
7 I
tor