These reliefs consist of two classes of works, colossal figures and hunting-pieces.  The colossal figures, of which some account has been already given, and which are represented in PLATE XLI., have but little merit.  They are curious on account of their careful elaboration, and furnish important information with respect to Sassanian dress and armature, but they are poor in design, being heavy, awkward, and ungainly.  Nothing can well be less beautiful than the three overstout personages, who stand with their heads nearly or quite touching the crown of the arch, at its further extremity, carefully drawn in detail, but in outline little short of hideous.  The least bad is that to the left, whose drapery is tolerably well arranged, and whose face, judging by what remains of it, was not unpleasing.  Of the other two it is impossible to say a word in commendation.

The mounted cavalier below them—­Chosroes himself on his black war horse, Sheb-Diz—­is somewhat better.  The pose of horse and horseman has dignity; the general proportions are fairly correct, though (as usual) the horse is of a breed that recalls the modern dray-horse rather than the charger.  The figure, being near the ground, has suffered much mutilation, probably at the hands of Moslem fanatics; the off hind leg of the horse is gone; his nose and mouth have disappeared; and the horseman has lost his right foot and a portion of his lower clothing.  But nevertheless, the general effect is not altogether destroyed.  Modern travellers admire the repose and dignity of the composition, its combination of simplicity with detail, and the delicacy and finish of some portions.  It may be added that the relief of the figure is high; the off legs of the horse were wholly detached; and the remainder of both horse and rider was nearly, though not quite, disengaged from the rock behind them.

The hunting-pieces, which ornament the interior of the arched recess on either side, are far superior to the colossal figures, and merit an exact description.  On the right, the perpendicular space below the spring of the arch contains the representation of a stag hunt, in which the monarch and about a dozen other mounted horsemen take part, assisted by some ten or twelve footmen, and by a detachment mounted on elephants. [PLATE XLIII.] The elephants, which are nine in number, occupy the extreme right of the tablet, and seem to be employed in driving the deer into certain prepared enclosures.  Each of the beasts is guided by three riders, sitting along their backs, of whom the central one alone has the support of a saddle or howdah.  The enclosures into which the elephants drive the game are three in number; they are surrounded by nets; and from the central one alone is there an exit.  Through this exit, which is guarded by two footmen, the game passes into the central field, or main space of the sculpture, where the king awaits them.  He is mounted on his steed, with his bow passed over