A Treatise on Modern Geography, in Which Are Presented, Under Distinct Heads, the Natural Features, Productions, Zoology, and History of the Various Countries Throughout the World Also, Copious Tables with an Appendix (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 Excerpt: ...and the poisonous wind, called samiel, prevails near the Persian Gulf. The soil, except in the north, is, in general, barren. Produce.--Wheat of an excellent quality is produced; but rice is more generally used, and preferred as an article of diet. The vine and the orange-tree are cultivated with great success. Minerals.--There are some mines of lead and iron. What was thought to be the turkois, the only gem of Persia, has, it is said, been discovered, in many instances, to be nothing more than bone or ivory tinged with copper. Pearls, some weighing fifty grains, abound in the Persian Gulf. Rocksalt is found near Ispahan. Medicinal springs are numerous, but are not much nsed. Manufactures.--The manufactures, though very limited at present, are of a superior kind, consisting of carpets, cotton, woollen, goat and camel-hair cloths, silks, brocades, and velvets. The best bows in the East, and finely damasked sabres, are made here. The Persians excel in cutting precious stones, and in dyeing bright and lasting colours. Zoology.--The horses are the most heantiful in the East, but inferior in speed to the Arabian. They can, however, endure far more fatigue; and some have been known to travel 90O miles in eleven consecutive days. The camel and mule are common in Persia. The sheep are remarkable for their large tails, which sometimes weigh thirty pounds. Panthers, leopards, and ounces, are trained, and used in hunting. History.--The government, as in most oriental countries, has always been despotic, aud the tyranny of the numerous khans, or chiefs, is notorious. The wandering tribes of the desert, armed and mounted as they habitually are, form the chief military force, in addition to about 3,000 royal slaves, who are trained and disciplined after the European mann...