Its greatest length is estimated at forty-five miles, its width varies, but is generally from ten to sixteen miles.

At one point, however, nearly opposite to Kodj Hissar, the lake narrows to a distance of no more than five miles; and here a causeway has been constructed from shore to shore, which, though ruined, still affords a dry pathway in the summer.

The water of the Touz-Ghieul is intensely salt, containing at some seasons of the year no less than thirty-two per cent of saline matter, which is considerably more than the amount of such matter in the water of the Dead Sea.

The surrounding plain is barren, in places marshy, and often covered with an incrustation of salt.

The whole scene is one of desolation.