Its name is said to be derived from the Persian words _bad_, "the wind," and _kubeda_, "beaten," signifying "Wind-beaten;" and this seems credible, for violent storms are prevalent along the coast.

The town is essentially European in character.

One can scarcely realize that only fifty years ago a tumble-down Persian settlement stood on the spot now occupied by broad, well-paved, gas-lit streets, handsome stone buildings, warehouses, and shops.

Baku has, like Tiflis, a mixed population.
Although Russians and Tartars form its bulk, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Persia are all represented, most of the Europeans being employed in the manufacture of petroleum.

The naphtha springs are said to yield over 170,000 tons of oil yearly.
A French engineer, Mr.B----, whose acquaintance I made at the hotel, described Baku as terribly monotonous and depressing to live in after a time.