HILL OF THE TWELVE IMAUNS. 
433 
it of most of its riches. Strabo also mentions, that the Temple 
of Diana at Elymais, was afterwards sacked by one of the Par¬ 
thian kings, who found therein the great prize of ten thousand 
talents.” 
Having crossed the plain of the Tulli Shahan mounds we 
passed over another line of low hills, and a succeeding fertile 
valley, which brought us to the little town of Kifri, after a 
journey of twenty miles completed in five hours. The town stands 
at the foot of some considerable heights, full of sulphurous and 
saline appearances. Naphtha springs are in its neighbourhood; 
some at a distance of three hours’ ride, and others at twice as 
far : near the latter, quantities of fine salt is dug. Travellers 
may reach Sulimania, the capital of the southern part of Cour- 
distan, by a more eastern road from this place; but it is exceed¬ 
ingly dangerous, and the only menzil on the way is a village 
called Ibram Kaushi, seven hours distant from Kifri, and six¬ 
teen from Sulimania. A little way from the road we were on, 
and towards the east, stands a very remarkable conical height 
called the Hill of the Twelve Imauns, from a tomb that sur¬ 
mounts it, covering the remains of that number of holy per¬ 
sonages. The climate, thus far on my winter journey, was 
even delightful. The mornings fresh and invigorating, without 
frost; the days warm, without oppressive heat; and the balmy 
evening, gradually brightening to a clear, cool night: in fact, I 
never recollect enjoying a more genial atmosphere. 
The people of this tract are a mixture of Arabs and Gourds ; 
the former, of the A1 Biad and Jerbai tribes; the latter, of 
Kayatt, who furnish their chief, in times of foreign or civil 
broils, with upwards of 2000 horsemen. Their villages extend 
in every direction over this extensive plain. The costume of 
3k 
VOL. II. 
