est of these rugs is often called _Mir-Saraband_.

_Sarakhs_ (see Bijar) rugs.

_Saruk_ rugs are very closely woven in the hamlet bearing this name. The
floral designs scattered over the field of rose, dark red, or blue show
a spontaneity of workmanship that is not governed by Western enterprise,
though, curiously enough, aniline dyes prevail. The wool is very fine.
The border is composed of a wide middle stripe, with a narrow one on
either side.

_Savalan_ (see Sultanabad) rugs.

_Serapi_ (see Sirab) rugs.

_Shiraz_, the capital city of Pars, has exported some of the most
interesting and exquisite rugs in existence. In the sixteenth century
Shiraz was at the height of its prosperity, and all the neighboring
country was noted for its flocks of sheep, which produced the finest of
wool. Rugs were made at Shiraz for the reigning Shahs, who had palaces
there, and the workmanship displayed in them was most beautiful. The
city was visited by an earthquake in 1853, and since that catastrophe
the manufacture of rugs has not regained its former prosperity; yet
great improvement has been shown in recent years, and the same vegetable
dyes are still in use. The Shiraz is often called the Mecca rug, as it
is the one frequently selected by pilgrims to that city. Deep rich blues
are often seen in a Shiraz rug, and frequently stripes extend throughout
the centre, as well as in the border, where diamond forms and crosses
are also frequently seen. The medallion and the palm leaf are also
found. Many Persian poets have sung of the wonderful rose gardens of
Shiraz, and the rug weaver there has faithfully reproduced in glorious
hues these beautiful flowers. Other flowers, too, decorate this rug. The
webbing at the ends is embroidered in colored yarns.

[Illustration: SHIRAZ RUG

SIZE, 4.3 x 7

_The field of this rug is marked with narrow perpendicular stripes of
soft yellows, rose, deep blues, and ivory. These mellow tones of color
are all thickly studded with a fine floral design in contrasting shades.
The palm-leaf design, minute but distinct, is in pale green, with
markings of blue and rose. The border stripes of tan, dark rich blue,
and rose are floral in effect. The rug is heavy, firm, and of fine
texture. Fringed ends finish this beautiful example of the Shiraz._

OWNED BY MR. WILL J. DAVIS, CHICAGO.]

_Sinna_ rugs are made in the province of Irak-Ajemi. They have a very
fine texture, and are greatly prized by rug-lovers.