[548] Probably the present Barena, a branch of the Taurus.
[549] This is rather free, but the text could not well otherwise be rendered intelligibly.
[550] σφραγίδας is the Greek word; for which section is a poor equivalent, but the best we believe the language affords.
[551] The name of a considerable portion of Asia.
[552] From Eratosthenes’ description of India, preserved by our author in his 15th book, we gather that he conceived the country to be something in the form of an irregular quadrilateral, having one right, two obtuse, and one acute angle, consequently none of its sides parallel to each other. On the whole Eratosthenes’ idea of the country was not near so exact as that of Megasthenes.
[553] The Caspian Gates are now known as the Strait of Firouz Koh.
[554] The ruins of Babylon, still called Babil, are on the Euphrates, near Hilleh. Susa is now Suz or Schuss, and not Schoster or Toster. The ruins of Persepolis remain, and may be seen near Istakar, Tchilminar, and Nakchi-Rustan.
[555] Between Thapsacus and Armenia.
[556] Karmelis.
[557] The Altun-Suyi, or River of Gold.