TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION E. 629 



a great part is an unmitigated desert, there are in many parts valleys and plains of 

 astonishing fertility. The general scarcity of water reduces the capabilities of the 

 country and accounts for the sparseness of the population. 



The trade is, however, considerable, and might be vastly increased by the im- 

 provement of the roads. After indicating the nature of the ordinary exports and 

 imports, the author proceeded to point out how the trade from Russia is gradually 

 superseding that from British sources, not only in the north, as might reasonably 

 be expected, but also in the southern markets of the empire. 



The difficulties of the several trade routes from the Persian Gulf to the interior 

 were then briefly described, and attention was directed to the natural facilities 

 offered by the Karun river as a means of communication with the provinces of 

 Shuster, Dizful, and other parts of Persia as yet scarcely touched by the European 

 trader. Mohammerah, as the port of this route, possesses remarkable advantages. 

 It commands two distinct means of communication with the Gulf, the Shat-el-Arab, 

 and the Khor Bamushir, and the climate of the place is excellent. If trade by the 

 Karuu route were properly fostered by the Persian Government, Mohammerah 

 might rival in importance its neighbour, the Turkish port of Bussorah. Reference 

 was made to Captain Selby's exploration of the Karun in 1842, and also to Mr. 

 Mackenzie's journe3-s between Shuster and Isfahan. This route has been travelled 

 over again last November by Mr. Baring of Her Majesty's Mission and Captain 

 AVells, R.E., who have written very graphic accounts of their trip. Mr. Mackenzie 

 thinks that the route between Shuster and Isfahan is far easier and better than the 

 one now followed to the latter city from Bushire, through Shiraz ; and he explains 

 how advantageous it would be to British commercial enterprise were this route 

 opened up. Captain Wells, on the other hand, considers the difficulties of the direct 

 road to Isfahan to be very formidable. In any case the establishment of regular 

 steam navigation on the Karun would open out new fields, and commercial opera- 

 tions would gradually but surely extend further inland. 



The only physical obstacle to the regular running of steamers on the river occurs 

 at Ahwaz, and is fully explained in Captain Wells's report and on his plan exhibited. 

 Means are suggested for overcoming this difficulty by cutting a canal some 2, .350 

 yards in length from above to below the rapids — a work which presents no diffi- 

 culties and would cost but little. Tlie Persian Government has, however, so far 

 shown itself distinctly opposed to the development of trade in this direction, and, 

 actuated by a very short-sighted policy, refuses to allow foreign steamers on the 

 river unless heavy, in fact prohibitive, taxes be paid as river and port dues. A 

 little judicious and well-timed diplomatic pressure might probably remove this an- 

 tagonistic feeling ; and, in the interests of Persia and with the object of promoting 

 and extending British trade and influence in these regions, the author believed that 

 friendly action should be taken by the British Government. 



4. On Tongkin and the new Approach to Yunnan. By T). Bodlger. 



