712 REPORT— 1897. 



geographical student, and that the possibilities of our science- are, lilce those- of 

 other departments of research, inexhaustible. My aim has also been to indicate 

 by actual examples what, in the conception of British geographers at least, is the 

 field of our subject. We need not trouble greatly about any precise definition so 

 long as there is such a choice of work for the energies of the geographer. I trust 

 I have been, to some extent at least, successful in the double obiect which I have 

 had in view in this opening address in a country which presents so splendid a field 

 to the practical geographer. 



The following Papers and Report were read r 



1. Kafiristan and the Kafirs. By Sir George Scott Robetrtson, K. C.S.I. 



The paper began with general remarks upon the geogi-aphical position of 

 Kafiristan— the origin of the name, which means the Land of the Infidel ^.)ar e.r- 

 cellence, according to Muhammedan conceptions. Attention was then drawn to the 

 dissimilarity this country bears to India in climate, vegetation, and in phvsical 

 characteristics. Kafiristan was described as a highland region with a fairh: 

 equable temperature, in spite of great summer heat and heavy snowfall accompanied 

 by severe cold in the winter. It is made up of an intricate network of mountain 

 spurs and ridges, without roads, unless hillside tracks, impassable for horses, and 

 even for dogs lu many places, may be so termed. The limited cultivable area is 

 fairly productive. The scenery varies from tiny sloping fields and orchards, from 

 luxurious tangles of wild vines and pomegranates to magnificent pine forests, 

 according to altitude, but invariably includes a large view of profitless hillside and 

 rock. Some of the higher elevations, where villages are to be found, are strangely 

 bleak and inhospitable, and the people have a hard struggle to live. Of the inhabit- 

 ants many interesting details were given, while their manaers and habits were 

 illustrated by a numerous series of lantern slides, made from photographs and 

 drawings. In feature the Kafirs are distinctly Aryan. They seem to be brave 

 after the fashion of the North American Iiadians, shunning for the most part 

 the open combat, and relying chiefly upon ambushes, night attacks, and surprises. 

 Of course the poorness of their weapons compels these modes of warfare. For 

 the rest, their cupidity, jealousy of one another, and proneness to quarrel make 

 them diflrcult folk to live amongst. Their political organisation is feeble, each, 

 valley being the home of a particular tribe, and sometimes of more than one. 

 Many diflerent languages and dialects are spoken, and internecine strife was rarelv 

 intermitted. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Amir of Kabul made an easv 

 conquest of Kafiristan as soon as the disturbances all along the border in 1890 

 V i!;i"? '^^t^ strong enough to fight for a balance of power against the redoubtable 

 Abdul Rahman. Although no one could say whether the Afghan conquest would 

 be permanent or not, it seemed fairly certain that the Kafir change of religion from 

 paganism to Islam, which has now been enforced, would remain. The alteration 

 could not be for the worse. On the other hand the position and morals of the 

 women, both deplorable, would be improved, the traflic in children as slaves would 

 cease, the endless bloodshed on this frontier might be stopped. Nevertheless the 

 old wild, picturesque lile of the Kafirs, terrible and cruel as it was in many respects, 

 was full of the elements of romance. It gave forth, at times, bright instances of 

 bravery, devotion, and personal sacrifice. No one could reflect, without sorrow, 

 on the substitution of self-righteousness, spiritual pride, and austerity, too often 

 hypocritical, for an ancient faith which, degraded as it was, taught its votaries to 

 be masterful and free. 



•2. Eejjort on the Climate of Trojncal J/rira.— See Reports, p. 409. 



3. Novaia Zemlia and its Physical Geography. 

 By E. Delmar Morgan, F.R.C.S. 



/(?ok"^ paper recent Russian investigations in Novaia Zemlia are summarised. 

 in 1895 an expedition commanded by M. Cheruyshefi" visited this island continent 



