in Dilem, on the borders of Mazenderan.--E.

[2] The last of these princes was named Moadin, who, as mentioned
in the text, was made prisoner, and put to death by Houlagu-khan. In
the sequel of this work, there will be found other and more full
accounts of this old man of the mountain, or prince of the assassins.
--E.

[3] The transition seems here again abrupt, and unconnected; at
least the intermediate country of Mazerderan and Chorassan to the
desert, probably of Margiana, is very slightly passed over.--E.

[4] In this section, Marco seems to trace his journey along with
his father and uncle from Giazza towards Tartary; but the regular
connection appears to have been thrown into confusion, by ignorant
transcribers and editors.--E.

[5] Probably Satugar of the modern maps, on the western border of
Balk.--E.

[6] Forster considers this place to be Scasse or Al-shash, on the
river Sirr or Sihon, perhaps the Tashkund of modern maps, in the
province of Shash. The distances given by Marco must be strangely
corrupted by transcribers and editors, or Marco must have forgot when
he wrote his travels, perhaps twenty-six years after he passed this
country, when only a boy. The distance between Balk, on one of the
branches of the Sihon or Oxus, and Shash on the Jihon or Sirr, is at
least 350 miles in a straight line; which he appears to have travelled
in _five_ days, but which would more probably occupy fifteen.--E.

[7] This river is probably the Sirr or Sihon; and the mountains of
Karatan and Arjun pervade the district, the two chains being separated
by the river.--E.

[8] Vochan, Vocham or Vakhan, on the river Vash.--Forst.

[9] This observation was made on the mountains of Savoy and
Switzerland, not many years ago, by M. de Luc, and published as a new
discovery. The phenomena must be owing to the diminished pressure of
the atmosphere at this great elevation, by which water boils at a much
lower temperature than is requisite for effective cookery: A digester
would effectually remove this evil, by enabling the water to become
sufficiently hot, without being dissipated.--E.

[10] Beloro, Belor, or Belur, according to Forster. This immense
extent of forty days journey through deserts, seems to include the
deserts of Sultus, Cobi, and Shamo, and to reach to the frontiers of
Kathay, or Northern China.--E.