"كتيّب بلاد الرافدين. المجلد II. ١٩١٧" [‎٢‎٦‎٤] (٥٤٢/٢٧٣)

264
LAND ROUTES
Miles from
Dizfal
45
In summer when water is scarce at Jauzar (m. 56) it is best
to make a halt in this valley, and thence proceed to
Darreh Khazineh (see under m. 56), where water is easily
obtainable from the Saidmarreh, rather than camp at
Jauzar.
From here a route to the Dalich passes, much more direct than that by
Valmian described below, goes by Ser-i-Gul. It used to be the
principal commercial route between Dizful and Khurramabad, and
some improvements were made on it by the Persian authorities
(e.g. blasting). The anarchy prevailing in the country has caused
it to fall more and more into disuse : yet it was said in 1911 to be
still preferred, 4 bad though it isby caravans and nomads. The
passes are occasionally blocked by snow in winter for a few weeks
at a time. Water is plentiful, except between the Kialan and
Dalich ranges, where it is bitter, though generally drinkable. Fuel
is very scarce. No supplies.
Miles from
Dizf al
44
50
60
66
69
Ab-i-Tirada valley. Track diverges to r. from the Valmian
route, going NNW. It passes over gypsum and sand
stone hills, and there are quantities of loose stones which
make going very bad.
Birinjzar, in territory occupied by the Dirakwand.
Water from stream. Good grazing. Scanty fuel.
General direction N. to Ser-i-Gul. Before the beginning
of the ascent over the Kialan Kuh a grotto, containing
a spring of water, is passed on r. of road. The ascent to
the pass over the Kialan Kuh (4,715 ft.) is steep and
difficult. The road has been improved by blasting near the
summit. The descent on the northern side is difficult
and slippery. (This pass, it is said, would be easy to
improve.) From the foot of the descent to Ser-i-Gul the
going is better.
Ser-i-G-ul. Water bitter, though drinkable. ^ It is
advisable to take drinking-water from Birinjzar.'
General direction to Mishwand, NW. Eoad runs over
stony spurs. It is bad and stony, but could be improved
into a good mule road by clearing away the stones.
Before reaching the Buk-i-Buland, apparently the last
of these spurs, there is water, which, though bitter in
summer, is always drinkable.
Mishwand, a grazing district of low gypsum hills. (Map
I.D., sheet 9 C, places Mishwand south of the Buk-i-
Buland.)
Dalich pass (Dalich Buzurg ? See rn. 106| below).
Cross gypsum ridge and descend to the valley of Dar-i-
Zarab. Ascend a similar ridge on farther side of valley.
Traces of a well-graded road are visible here.