É. Apor (ed.): Stein, Aurel: Old Routes of Western Iran. (Budapest Oriental Reprints, Ser. B 2.)
Chapter II. —In Kohgalu Tracts
6 8 IN KOHGALU TRACTS [Chap. II collectively as Püchak. We emerged from this muchbroken ground close to where the stream of Shams-ul'Arab debouches from the hills of Köh-i-surkh. Near this point a couple of much-decayed caravanserais attest the line of the old trade route. Here we entered the open grasscovered plain of the Lishtar valley which affords ample grazing for semi-nomadic Arabs. Cultivated ground was not met until, after a total march of some 23 miles, we reached the small Arab village of Lishtar at nightfall. A spring close by accounts for this manifestly recent settlement. But on resuming our march next morning we passed half a mile farther on the ruin of a domed structure, perhaps a Muhammadan tomb, with high pointed arches and squinches, which looked old. About 3 miles farther there was reached the ridge of Band-i-Lishtar which, at an elevation of about 1700 feet, forms the watershed towards the Rüd-i-Khairäbäd, a considerable river descending from the north-east. A wide view opened towards the picturesque hills from which the river debouches and also towards the steep serrated range overlooking the wide Behbehän plain. A descent of less than 5 miles on a steep road broken by small ravines brought us down to Khairäbäd village on the left bank of the river, where we camped. Time was left for examining the remains of two ruined old bridges of which I had received a report. These do not appear to have ever been recorded by former European travellers, probably owing to their being situated close on 4 miles above the point where the present road crosses the river, and because the old high road once leading to them has been abandoned ever since they got broken centuries ago. After leaving Khairäbäd village, a collection of mat-
