Ser.
IV. tom. xiii. 48; Ilch. I. 93, 104, 274; Q. R. p. 278; Ritter,
VIII. 336.) A note which I have from Djihan Numa (I. 259) connects
Girdkuh with a district called Chinar. This may be a clue to the term
Arbre Sec; but there are difficulties.
[1] [Ghirdkuh means "round mountain"; it was in the district of Kumis,
three parasangs west of Damghan. Under the year 1257, the Yuean shi
mentions the taking of the fortress of Ghi-rh-du-kie by
K'ie-di-bu-hua. (Bretschneider, Med. Res. I. p. 122;
II. 110.) - H. C.]
CHAPTER XXVI.
CONCERNING THE CITY OF SAPURGAN.
On leaving the Castle, you ride over fine plains and beautiful valleys,
and pretty hill-sides producing excellent grass pasture, and abundance of
fruits, and all other products. Armies are glad to take up their quarters
here on account of the plenty that exists. This kind of country extends
for six days' journey, with a goodly number of towns and villages, in
which the people are worshippers of Mahommet. Sometimes also you meet with
a tract of desert extending for 50 or 60 miles, or somewhat less, and in
these deserts you find no water, but have to carry it along with you. The
beasts do without drink until you have got across the desert tract and
come to watering places.
