KASHAN. 
389 
made here, and in as great request. The worms which produce 
the raw material, are carefully bred and watched by the in¬ 
habitants of the neighbouring villages ; and they never fail to 
amply remunerate the industry that rears them. A manufactory 
of copper utensils, is also an article of commerce between the 
town and its adjacent provinces ; and, upon the whole, I think 
we may look upon Kashan as one of the most thriving places in 
this quarter of the empire. 
The thermometer according to Fahrenheit, was only 82 ; an 
atmosphere by no means oppressive anywhere. But where we 
were quartered, it was rendered delightful, by the refreshing 
shade of thick rows of cypress, mixed with the wide branches of 
a species of cedar, not unlike that of Lebanon. In the course 
of the day, the gardens became thronged with people of all 
ranks from the town, who came there to enjoy the sultry hours 
of leisure ; lying or sitting under the green canopy of the trees ; 
some reposing on their many-coloured carpets; others seated on 
the grass; and not a few lolling amongst the high and humid 
weeds. The groups were very picturesque ; their attitudes and 
employments being as various as their figures and habits. 
Some were sleeping, some talking, others singing, and most 
smoking their kaliouns decorated with their favourite flower; 
but there was one occupation, which, perhaps, we may find more 
or less every where but in England. Happy country ! to be so 
exempt (at least in our times) from any share of that most 
disgusting of the plagues of Egypt, which some of the lower 
order of Persians were then hunting from their persons, as if 
they too had been curst “ in all their quarters.” With respect 
to the vocal performance, with which the before-mentioned 
native rivals of the nightingale, with up-turned eyes, seemed 
