AMONG THE AFFGHANS. 239 



turnings the high-water mark is often 100 feet above 

 the ordinary level. During the winter, again, it falls 

 so low that the points of large rocks in its bed are ex- 

 posed, and round them eddies are formed ; while other 

 points, just hidden below the surface, are still more 

 dangerous. It is therefore quite unfitted for boats of 

 any kind. During the intermediate stage between 

 high and low water, goods are indeed brought down 

 on timber rafts ; but this can never supersede camel 

 traffic between Dakka and Michni for at least nine 

 months of each year. There is, however, a large 

 amount of timber brought down at all seasons. Logs 

 of deodar and pine, about 20 to 30 feet in length, are 

 made up into rafts, and floated down. On them sit 

 four to six men, each being provided with a long pole 

 to keep the raft off the rocks, and also with a sliinaz 

 (inflated cow, goat, or sheep skin). When, despite 

 the long poles, it becomes evident that the raft must 

 strike, every man prepares his sliinaz; and a few 

 moments before the blow comes, they hug these 

 skins, and throw themselves fearlessly into the water. 

 Buoyed up, they fly down-stream till they near some 

 quieter portion of the river : here they wait on the 

 banks till the timbers reach them ; these they catch 

 and rebind, and are off again. 



Every year, however, several men are lost in this 

 perilous game. Nor is this the only danger. It has 

 been mentioned above that the Khwaizais have a strip 

 of country running on to the bank here, at a point 



VOL. in. Q 



