VALLEY OF KERMANSHAH. 
195 
gives it a pretension. The extent of the Assyrian, and Persian 
dominions, during different eras; and the almost constant pro¬ 
gress of their sovereigns from one province to another, may well 
account for the numerous palaces and gardens, said , to be built 
and planted by them, at what, to us, may appear such un¬ 
reasonably short distances. 
The present annual produce of this valley, in grain of various 
kinds, is scarcely to be credited; while its neighbouring fertile 
vales under the same prince-governor, must raise his revenue 
to the largest amount of any delegated authority in the king¬ 
dom. The calamity of famine, which a few years ago desolated 
the other provinces, never touched this ; and the number of its 
population was consequently much increased during that great 
national affliction. Whole families emigrated from the vicinities 
of Ispahan, Kashan, Koom, and other places, to find an asylum 
here from starvation. The distress was so dreadful in many 
parts of the country, that mothers sold their grown-up daughters 
for a few maims of wheat, to feed their younger children perish¬ 
ing for want. The abundance of every necessary of life in this 
vale, may be imagined, when I mention that my own party 
consists of ten persons, twelve horses, with mules in proportion; 
and it does not cost me more than three reals per day, (about 
two shillings and sixpence,) to subsist the whole. Meat, butter, 
eggs, milk, bread, corn, straw, all were included in this trifling 
sum. The greatest part of the inhabitants are Gourds, somewhat 
tamed down from their wandering mountain-habits, to become 
settlers in villages, and to till a land which amply rewards them. 
Yet, as I intimated on my arrival, they are not so thoroughly 
weaned from their primitive ways, but that they gladly embrace 
every fair excuse for getting under their black canvass, even at 
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