JOURNAL 



OF THE 



ASIATIC SOCIETY 



APRIL, 1847. 



Journal of a Steam, Trip to the North of Baghdad, in April, 184G, 

 with notes on the various objects of interest met with. By Lieut. 

 Jones, I. N. (Forwarded by P. Melvill, Esq. Officiating Under 

 Secretary to the Government of India.) 



Three years having elapsed since our former ascent of the Tigris 

 above Baghdad, and anticipating from the early rise of the water a 

 more favorable season and better success than we experienced before, 

 arrangements were made accordingly for ascending the river early in 

 March, but the presence of the vessel being again required at Basra, 

 our departure was delayed until the 2d April, when the river had be- 

 come considerably more rapid from the high rise having already set in. 

 We however left Baghdad on the above day, with one month's provi- 

 sion, 12 tons of coal, and 9 tons of fire-wood fuel. Draught of water 

 with the above stores on board, 3 feet 1 inches, aft, and 3 feet 5 inches 

 forward ; weighed from our moorings at 9-55 a. m., with two boats in 

 tow, and passing through the Bridge of Boats, reached Triunba and 

 Kathemein, the former at 10-35, the latter at 10-55. 



The banks of the river at this time present a beautiful appearance, 

 the gardens exhibiting a diversity of trees of variously tinted foliage, 

 and a delightful fragrance pervades the air from the now opening orange 

 blossoms. The day is cool and pleasant, but a moderate north wind, 

 though very refreshing, somewhat retards our progress. The river too 

 is rising. At 1-45 arrived at Sheri at el Beitha on the right bank — 2-33 



No. IV. New Series. 2 s 



