Every thirty yards or so are stalls for the sale of kababs, fruit, sweetmeats, and the kalyan, for a whiff from which passers-by pay a small sum.

Ispahan is noted for its fruit; apricots, peaches, nectarines, cherries, mulberries, and particularly fine melons, are abundant in their season.
There is a saying in Persia, "Shiraz for wine, Yezd for women, but Ispahan for melons." Since it has ceased to be the capital of Persia, the trade of Ispahan has sadly deteriorated.

There is still, however, a brisk trade in opium and tobacco.

Silks and satins are also made, as well as quantities of a coarser kind of cotton stuff for wearing-apparel, much used by the natives.

The sword-blades manufactured here are, in comparison with those of Khorassan or Damascus, of little value.
Genuine old blades from the latter city fetch enormous prices everywhere; but a large quantity of worthless imitations is in the market, and unless a stranger is thoroughly experienced in the art of weapon-buying, he had better leave it alone in Persia.