"تقرير عسكري حول عربستان (المنطقة رقم ١٣)." [ظ‎‎١‎٤‎٨] (٣٦٦/٣٠١)

286
The difference between high and low water may be taken to
be on the whole 12-14 feet, but there is a difference of 24 feet
between the highest and lowest records.
Up to Bandar Nasiri, 1 | mile below Ahwaz, the Karun is
m most parts and in ordinary seasons navigable by a vessel of
5 or even 6 feet draft. Vessels of 12 feet draft can reach Sal-
maneh bend, 14 miles above Muhammarah. |
The rate of the stream in high river is from 4 to 6 knots, in
a low river about 2 knots. The river is 2-5 cables wide, and the
channel is tortuous, especially above ’Ali ibn Hussain, 31 miles
from Muhammarah, and very narrow at the bends, where the
deepest water is generally on the concave side. The tide is
felt as iar as T)orquaim, approximately 5 miles south of Rehvali.
Water. —Water in the Karun is sweet.
Supplies. —Supplies must be considered as being non-existent.
The few villages that are met with lie within 16 miles of Ahwaz,
but they could produce nothing worth calculating upon. Arab
encampments during the winter, might, when met with, pro
duce some cattle and sheep. It is possible that the A. P. 0.
C. might make arrangements for supplies at Dorquaim.
Transport. —The Anglo-Persian Oil Company run three
steamers daily between Muhammarah and Bandffr Isasiri, viz.
S.S. “ Dehluran ” “ Chardine ” and “ Naftak,” while Messrs.
Lynch Bros, run one steamer, S.S. 44 Shiab,” when cargo is
available. Of native craft, 19 mahailahs, 12 Xaosari bellams
ply on the Karun. They vary from 5 to 70 tons burden, and
had a carrying capacity of from 200—600 gunny bags. They a,re
wedge shaped with a raking prow, flat bottoms, and an open
raised]poop for the accommodation of the crew. The mast,
placed somewhat forward, has a list forward and carries one
expansive latine sail. When the wind is unfavourable, they
have to be towed upstream. A boat 90 feet long and 20 feet
wide carries 70 tons and draws 7 feet 3 inches. Besides these
larger craft, small passenger .bellaras, of which there are about
80, worked by paddles and towing are used especially in the
neighbourhood of Muhammarah. They run from 3 to 4 feet
broad and 16 to 20 feet long. ^
Stages. —The following stages are recorded with the mileage
as laid down by the Inland Water Transport.