_ 380 _ countryside which lies between two mountain ranges, one of which runs along the southern part along the coast and the Persian Gulf, which is not very high and on which there are large cypress forests. The other runs along the north for a long distance, with the land lying between the two. The width between these ranges is eight frazangues, while in some parts it is six. Its length is a six-day journey. It is called Coscojarde, which means yellow wasteland. We journeyed through it for five days, staying beside camps where we found all the provisions necessary. There are deer and much good game in the area, as well as lions and panther (which they fear more than lions), wolves and bears, all of which cause great damage to the camps, which is why they always travel close together, their tents connected one to the other. In the centre, they construct a pen in which they enclose the animals at night, and outside they place watchdogs on guard with bells tied round their necks. Chapter: V Of the rise, doctrine and customs of the Sophy. The Sophy was son of a Sheikh who was much revered by the Moors and ruler of a town called Ardabil. His mother was daughter of another great lord. When she was pregnant and at his birth his future was foretold by astrol-
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