Nov. 8, 1858.] AND ASCENT OF DEMAVEND. 5 



4 A.M., winding over a narrow, rugged path. At about half way to 

 the summit the ascent becomes less abrupt, and the soil of greater 

 depth. Flowers, comprising tulips, crocus, wild lavender, and 

 thyme, besides a variety of other aromatic plants, are to be seen in 

 great profusion, and in many places the slopes of the hills assume 

 a green tint. The rocks and precipices on the lower half of the 

 mountain consist principally of limestone. No quartz was observed 

 by us here or in any other part of the Elburz. At that part of the 

 summit where the road crosses the range we turned to the right 

 and proceeded to the highest peak, measuring 12,887 feet above the 

 level of the sea. The peak bears due north of Tehran, of which, as 

 well as of the surrounding plains, it commands an extensive view. 

 On descending from this point, we passed what the Persians call 

 " the sea of ice," a kind of glacier, from which the market of Tehran 

 is abundantly supplied in the hot weather whenever, in consequence 

 of a mild winter, the ordinaiy provision of that luxury does not 

 suffice for the consumption of the inhabitants. Near this spot we 

 saw a large covey of about 30 " Kebk i derri," or royal partridges 

 (known also as the Caspian partridge), a bird equal in size to a 

 well-grown turkey, which, we believe, is only known in Persia, and 

 is rarely to be found excepting in the Elburz and some of the high 

 lands in Azerbijan. We also observed a number of wild sheep 

 crossing a stony ridge at some distance below us. 



The road descends in a north-westerly direction to the valley of 

 Shehristanek, shortly after which we arrived at the principal village 

 of the district, bearing the same name. From Pess Kalaa to the 

 crest of the mountain is about 6 miles, and thence to the village of 

 Shehristanek 4 miles more. This valley runs as nearly as possible 

 east and west, is about 6 miles in length, and a small stream, a 

 tributary of the Kerretch Eiver, flows through its bed. To the east 

 there is another valley, that of Eudbar, opening into the district 

 through which flows the Jajriid Eiver, and containing, besides 

 some of the rich mines before mentioned, several large and flourishing 

 villages, the most important of which is named Ahar. The two 

 valleys are only separated by a small pass. Shehristanek is at an 

 elevation of 7040 feet. 



July l^th, — ^We proceeded down this valley, which is fertile and 

 well cultivated, the higher slopes of the hills on the southern side 

 being scantily covered with stunted cypress trees. At the western 

 extremity of this district we entered the valley of Laura, its 

 general direction being nearly north and south, and aifording a 

 channel for the Kerretch Eiver, named " Doab " at the point of its 



