DISTRICT OF CHUMEEN. 
85 
out with myself and people. Indeed, the more ignorant amongst 
them, regarded me as a devout Mussulman Frangy, on my 
pilgrimage also; and the same idea often prevailing where I 
lodged, the women in particular were amazed that I did not 
bring my wives with me: that being an appendage seldom left 
behind, by even the humblest of these holy trampers in sackcloth 
and ashes. 
September 10.—We quitted Zanguina at four o’clock this 
morning, on a road still north 45° west, lying close to the south¬ 
eastern edge of the vale, which takes its name from the capital 
of the district, called Chumeen. Twice during our route we 
had to pass over high, ridgy promontories, which ran so far out 
into the valley as to constrain the road to take their climbing 
ascents. On descending the last, we arrived at a pretty little 
village, deeply embosomed in trees, gardens, and vineyards ; to 
which the inhabitants have given as pretty a name, Gul-Aub , 
meaning rose-water. This is a favourite appellation with the 
Persians, when they mean, figuratively, to describe any thing 
very pleasant; and hence it frequently occurs. 
About four miles beyond Gul-Aub, we arrived at Chumeen. 
A few years ago it was little more than a village; but being 
selected as the residence of Sheik Ali Mirza, the prince-governor 
of the district, it has increased in extent and population, and 
become a most respectable town. His royal highness is a younger 
son of the Shah by a Zund lady. And thus his majesty, in 
providing for his numerous offspring by establishing each with 
a little court, over the most considerable districts of his empire, 
maintains its whole delegated power in the hands of his own 
family: by this means consolidating its influence, and more 
firmly fixing his throne and dynasty. The town, as we advance 
