so found in Mazandaron. Among domestic animals the horse, camels and
the buffalo hold the first place. The horses of Persia have always been
celebrated as the finest in the East. They are larger and more
handsome, but not so fleet as the horses of Arabia. Sheep are one of
the main sources of wealth of the country. All the rivers are well
stocked with fish, especially with sturgeon. Silver, lead, iron,
copper, salt, antimony, sulphur, and naptha are mined in large
quantities. The late Shah found a little gold, but not in quantities
sufficient to pay for mining.

INHABITANTS.

In the days of Darius and Cyrus the population numbered not less than
40,000,000, but that number has diminished until now not more than
10,000,000 people dwell in this once-populous land. These are from
different nationalities: the Kurds, numbering 500,000, Arabs, 500,000,
Jews, 20,000, Nestorians, 60,000, Armenians, 60,000, Zoroastrians,
15,000, and the remainder are a Mohammedan sect.

MANUFACTURIES AND TRADES.

The manufacturies of Persia are by no means extensive, but Persian rugs
and shawls have a reputation the world over. The deft fingers of the
women have contributed for centuries to the glory and wealth of this
country. In the marts and markets of the world these rugs and shawls
sell for fabulous prices. At the World's Fair I saw a single rug valued
at $15,000.

Trade, both domestic and foreign, is carried on by caravans. Tabriz is
the chief commercial city and from this point goods to the value of
$2,500,000 are exported annually. From the province Shiraz about
$900,000 worth of opium is sent out each year.

GOVERNMENT AND TAXATION.

The government of Persia is a pure despotism. The Shah is absolute
monarch; he appoints governors for each of the thirteen states and
these governors, in turn, appoint minor governors for the cities. Six
cabinet officers assist the executive, but their function is wholly
advisory. Upon the least pretext, any member of the cabinet may, at the
will of the Shah, lose his head.

The country has been impoverished for ages from two principle sources.
Nomadic tribes, wandering bands of Kurds and Arabs swoop down upon some
unprotected villages and carry away everything of any value. Taxation
is the second cause of poverty. The burden of the taxes falls upon Jews
and Christians, the most cruel extortions often being used to obtain
the desired amount. In 1882 the revenue was about L1,880,000, of which