[PLATE LVII., Fig.

1.] [Illustration: PLATE LVII.] The Persian gem-engravings have considerable merit, and need not fear a comparison with those of any other Oriental nation.

They occur upon hard stones of many different kinds, as cornelian, onyx, rock-crystal, sapphirine, sardonyx, chalcedony, etc., and are executed for the most part with great skill and delicacy.

The designs which they embody are in general of a mythological character; but sometimes scenes of real life occur upon them, and then the drawing is often good, and almost always spirited.

In proof of this, the reader may be referred to the hunting-scenes already given, which are derived wholly from this source, as well as to the gems figured [PLATE LVI., Fig.