or GHILAN, a considerable province of Persia, on the side of the Caspian sea, to the south-west. It is supposed to be the Hyrcania of the ancients. It is very agreeably situated, having the sea on one side and high mountains on the other; and there is no entering in but through narrow passes, which may easily be defended. The sides of the mountains are covered with many sorts of fruit trees, and in the highest parts of them there are deer, bears, wolves, leopards, and tygers; which last the Persians have a method of taming, and hunt with them as we do with dogs. Gilan is one of the most fruitful provinces of Persia, and produces abundance of silk, oil, wine, rice, and tobacco, besides excellent fruits. The inhabitants are brave, and of a better complexion than the other Indians, and the women are accounted extremely handsome. Reht is the capital town.