228 
ARRIVAL AT KIZZ1L ROBAT. 
distance we came again upon an uneven country, full of ravines 
like that of yesterday, and shewing nothing but unvaried desert 
for nearly eight miles. Having issued from this heavy part of 
our march, we found ourselves on a vast plain, stretching to the 
very horizon, and towards the north-west a perfect flat. In 
the opposite direction its level was interrupted by large rugged 
tracts, in the same style with the low hilly ground of the 
morning. The town of Kizzil Robat, our projected halting- 
place, lay about four miles further on the plain, wooded to the 
north-east by high bushy thickets, and plantations of date- 
trees. Cultivation extended to a considerable distance round the 
town; and where neither trees, nor the brightness of verdure 
appeared, thousands of sheep and goats were feeding on the 
apparently desert land: a proof that its barren and parched 
aspect, belied its real state. The disposition of the small towns 
and villages of this pashalick, resembles some places in Persia 
which do not possess defensive walls. The houses are constructed 
in the same form, and of similar materials, with those of the 
great kingdom ; while the sole difference in the general appear¬ 
ance of the place, consists in the lofty date-tree; whose delight¬ 
ful groves wave their branches over the gardens of every house. 
By the time we arrived at Kizzil Robat, we had made that day 
five farsangs; and some of us being fairly knocked up with the 
heat, we were all glad to hasten into our quarters ; a small 
khaun at the verge of the town. 
October 8th. —-1 found it impossible to proceed this morning, 
owing to the sudden illness of two of my party, and those the 
most valuable to me; namely, Sedak Reg, and my remaining 
European servant. I had been obliged to leave my other Rus¬ 
sian under medical charge at Shiraz ; and this poor fellow, with 
