THE NORTHERN PRoviNcEs.—The two provinces of Gilan and Mazanderan belong, in the main, to the northern slopes of the Elburz range, and differ in many respects from other parts of Persia, chiefly as a result of the much heavier rainfall which they receive. Along the coast, the level land consists of alluvial tracts built up of sediment carried down by mountain streams ; much of it is covered with jungle, but in numerous places clearings have been made in which rice, sugar, and cotton can all be grown. The cultivation of cotton is on the increase, but, like all Persian varie ties, the staple is short. Above the jungle lies the forest, which consists mainly of deciduous trees. Along its lower fringes the chief towns of the region are situated, as malaria forbids settle ment on the coastal plains, and in their vicinity oranges, lemons, citrons, olives, and other fruits all flourish. Gilan is still noted for its silk, though the industry has never recovered from the disease by which it was devastated over forty years ago, and the place of the mulberry has in many places been taken by rice. Owing to difficulties of transport and other causes, the timber of this region has never been exploited. Above the forest-belt there is bare pasture land, where the inhabitants are largely nomadic and depend upon their flocks for subsistence, though cereals are also grown. Manufactures are confined mainly to the towns, where cotton, woollen, and silk goods are all produced. Coal and
iron exist on both slopes of the Elburz, but, because of the proximity of the capital, have been mainly worked on the southern. Enzeli, which is the port of Resht, the capital of Gilan, is the principal seaport of Persia on the Caspian, and through it passes much of the trade of Central Persia with Russia. Other ports are Bender-Gez, at the south-east extremity of the Caspian, and Meshediser, the port of Barfurush.
NORTH KHORASAN.—The Kopet Dagh and other mountain ranges which occupy the northern part of the province of Khorasan, form a distinct natural region. The valleys, which have an elevation varying from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, are sometimes well watered, and when this is the case they are the centres of considerable agricultural activity. The districts along the courses of the Keshef-rud, which drains into the Hari-rud, and of the Atrek and Gurgan, which drain into the Caspian Sea, have made north Khorasan the granary of Persia. On the neighbouring uplands, which are only fit for pasture, large numbers of camels are raised. The manufacture of carpets and shawls is carried on both by the sedentary peoples in the towns and villages of the lowlands, and by the nomads of the uplands. Mineral wealth is believed to be abundant, but, so far, has been little worked. Meshed, in the valley of the Keshef-rud, is the chief town of the region, but is badly placed for trade except with Russia.