The Assyrians, the Paretaceni, and the Medes probably floated theirs down the Tigris and its tributaries.
A large-probably the largest-portion of the people must have been engaged in the occupations of agriculture.

Babylonia was, before all things, a grain-producing country--noted for a fertility unexampled elsewhere, and to moderns almost incredible.

The soil was a deep and rich alluvium, and was cultivated with the utmost care.

It grew chiefly wheat, barley millet, and sesame, which all nourished with wonderful luxuriance.

By a skilful management of the natural water supply, the indispensable fluid was utilized to the utmost, and conveyed to every part of the country.