Nov. 8, 1858.] AND ASCENT OF DEMAVEND. 11 



— namely, the ascent of Demavend — ^being still to be accomplished. 

 The mountains through which we had passed are generally of the 

 same description, one being much like another, and formed chiefly of 

 limestone. Between them run valleys, very narrow, and almost 

 entirely wanting in trees except those planted by the inhabitants, 

 which consist of poplars, walnut, and mulberry. Barley, bearded 

 wheat, and clover, together with enormous quantities of butter and 

 cheese, form the staple commodities of these districts. In winter 

 the inhabitants are unable to move out from the depth of snow which 

 covers the ground, and they are forced to remain under the cover of 

 their rude huts, together with their flocks and herds, for which 

 during the summer months they lay in a large stock of grass and 

 dried plants from the mountains. 



The inhabitants, nevertheless, seem happy and contented ; their 

 isolated position among the hills no doubt leaving them free and un- 

 touched by many of the exactions and cruelties to which the better 

 known provinces of Persia are subjected. Another cause which may 

 add to the prosperity of some of these villagers is the constant passage 

 during the summer of caravans of mules carrying charcoal from 

 Mazanderan to the capital. 



Game does not exist in large quantities in these mountains : several 

 varieties are, however, met vdth. The Kebk i derri, a magnificent 

 partridge, already mentioned, we found in several places. There are 

 besides two other kinds of partridge, the Kebk and the Teihii, in 

 considerable numbers. Quail in abundance during the summer 

 months, and in the autumn snipe are to be found in the valleys. 

 Birds of prey, of great size and in vast numbers, are to be seen ; 

 they are chiefly vultures and hawks, eagles being rarely met with. 

 Of four-footed animals the wild sheep, or mouflan, and ibex are the 

 only remarkable ones. Hares are in some places frequently found. 

 All the rivers in this district, with the one unaccountable exception 

 of the Jajriid, are well stocked with trout. 



On the 24th of July, shortly after daylight, we left the Mission 

 encampment, and proceeded for about 3 miles along the right bank 

 of the river, which here winds down the centre of a wide grassy 

 valley. 



Two miles and a half below the Chehel Cheshmeh the Heraz is 

 joined by a smaller stream, which takes its rise at about 10 miles 

 distance among the mountains to the north-west of Demavend. It is 

 named the Sefid Eud, or White Eiver (this name is also given to 

 several other rivers in Persia), on account of the extraordinary milky 



