Topographical Remarks regarding Affghanistdn. 331 



Umbelliferse, and sometimes grows to the height of four feet. 

 The milky juice extracted from the stem near the root con- 

 cretes into gum, which is exported in great quantities to 

 India. 



The Fennel (Anethum graveolens,) and a plant resembling 

 in its characters the Bubon Galbanum are also found. 



The Rhubarb appears to me to be the Rheum ribes, the 

 leaves and stem being warty. The early shoots are protected 

 from the light and sunshine, and in this blanched state are 

 held in great estimation as an article of food by the natives 

 of Cabul; the root does not appear to be used by the Aff- 

 ghans. 



Of medicinal plants, Hyoscyamus niger, Datura stram- 

 monium, Papaver somniferum, are to be found in the vicinity 

 of Cabul ; the seeds of the Datura are often mixed with the 

 raisins, and a very stupifying and deleterious spirit obtained 

 by their distillation. 



The hemp plant, from which bang and churrus are pre- 

 pared, also abounds. 



The common plants which accompany the cultivation of 

 the Cerealea in the valleys, are those that are found in culti- 

 vated fields in Europe. 



In the ditches and water courses, Ranunculus aquatilis, 

 Hippuris vulgaris, Butomus umbellatus; on the banks of the 

 streams, are the white clover, ranunculus, and many other 

 familiar forms of European vegetation. 



Amongst the culinary vegetables may be mentioned, tur- 

 nips, carrots, cabbages, lettuce, beet-root, radishes, onions, 

 garlic, egg fruit, cucumbers, and melons. 



Wheat, barley, maize, tobacco, madder, rice, cotton, beans 

 and vetches, are to be seen in cultivation with lucerne, trefoil, 

 or clover. 



The potatoe has only lately been introduced, and will no 

 doubt soon spread over the country. 



With the exception of the camel, the domestic animals are 



