"كتيّب بلاد الرافدين. المجلد II. ١٩١٧" [‎١‎٥] (٥٤٢/٢٤)

INTRODUCTION
15
Euphrates. The water that came in flood-time from the Euphrates
formed numerous and often large marsh-areas (Mors). The drying
up of the Hilla arm apparently caused the canals to fail, and the
marshland to decrease very considerably in extent: and the standing
water of the Mors when not renewed from the Euphrates became more
and more brackish. How far the restoration of the Hilla arm by
the completion of the Hind iyeh Barrage has already affected the
interior of this region is uncertain. The canals seem to have silted
up, and much labour would be needed to clear them to any great
extent. According to a Report of 1916 there is now water in the
flood season along the whole line of the Shatt el-Khar from
Diwaniyeh to Lake Butnijeh NNW. of Nasirlyeh, and boats can
always pass from that lake to within 10 m. of a point two days'
journey from Diwaniyeh. See further, p. 150. The plain is
traversed by numerous ancient canal-beds, some of great size with
high banks, and is dotted with mounds marking the site of ancient
settlements. Here and there are shifting sand-dunes. The country
is inhabited by a very sparse population of nomads and semi-nomads
who here and there cultivate patches of ground near the Mors that
still remain fairly fresh. Possibly there is also some cultivation
dependent on the winter rains. Spring grazing is no doubt to be
found. Water fit for drinking appears to be very scarce, especially
in late summer and early autumn. For routes across this country
see Routes 20 a, b, and appendix to 21 a.
From Baghdad to the line of the Euphrates the main route is the
carriage-road from Baghdad to Museyib. Up to the outbreak of the
present war this was unmetalled, heavy in wet weather, liable to
inundation in the first 15 m. from Baghdad (see 21 a).
Between Museyib and Mahmudiyeh an unmetalled cart-road diverged
to Hilla (see Route 21 b). There is also a route passable for wheels
from Baghdad to Fellujeh (the first part of the Baghdad—Aleppo
caravan-road). See Boute 22. It is reported that since the outbreak
of the present war a Decauville railway has been constructed between
Baghdad and Ridhwanlyeh (see p. 370).
The Karun — Diz region. —The main line of communication through
Southern Arabistan is the navigable part of the Karun River (see
Route II A). The navigable Karun is divided into two parts
by the rapids at Ahwuz-Nazirl. Below Nazirl the river is
navigable for steamers of 2 to 5 ft. draught according to the season :
above Ahwaz steamers of shallow draught (2-| ft.) can ascend to
Shaleili on the A,b-i-Gargar, about 7 m. below Shushtar. The Ab-i-
Diz had before the war been ascended with some difficulty in August
by a steamer drawing 2f ft., to Umm el-Wawiyeh, within 20 m. by