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A fancy shell.

Cypria

A fancy shell.

"In their upper course the Euphrates and the Tigris traverse a region of steppes broken by rocky ridges and interspersed with pastures and fruitful districts. The banks of the rivers are fringed with plane-trees, tamarisks, and cypresses. Here and there are meadowlands, alternating with low hills. Further on, as the rivers descend to the level, the valleys broaden; but at the same time the higher district between becomes more sterile kind of upland waste, abounding in ostriches and bustards, the native home of wild asses and nomadic tribes of men."—Ridpath, 1885

Confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates

"In their upper course the Euphrates and the Tigris traverse a region of steppes broken by rocky ridges…

"Winged Eagle-headed figure from Nimrud." —D'Anvers, 1895

Figure from Nimrud

"Winged Eagle-headed figure from Nimrud." —D'Anvers, 1895