334 Topographical Remarks regarding Afghanistan. 



tribes, and the character of the many races that compose 

 this number, would occupy too much space were I even 

 capable of writing on the subject, although it must be 

 confessed, that the physical characters of the different 

 tribes, and their peculiarities in reference to their habits and 

 mode of living, would be an interesting inquiry ; for here 

 is to be found the wandering tribes distinct, and yet inhabit- 

 ing the same country as the fixed population ; and I suspect 

 it will be found, after accurate examination, that the beautiful 

 simplicity, which has been described as existing amongst the 

 pastoral people, is a creation of the imagination, and that 

 when moral and mental cultivation do not exist, the savage 

 virtues are too often imaginary and the only law, is that of 

 the strong. 



Their vices are numerous, and their virtues few ; they 

 pretend to regulate their conduct by the precepts of the 

 Koran, and the customs of their ancestors as handed down 

 from father to son, — an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, 

 — the quarrels of the individual become the quarrels of the 

 tribe which they are bound to revenge, hence blood feuds 

 innumerable, and want of union. The exercise of the right 

 of hospitality is too often followed by crime. It is doubt- 

 ful if their ancestors ever paid taxes, and their descendants 

 seem inclined to follow this prescriptive right of freedom 

 from taxation, so that the only revenue collectors were 

 large cannon ; they will first fight, and if it cannot be helped 

 pay ; but it never enters into their heads to pay again if it can 

 be avoided. Truth is not to be found, deceit is every where 

 practised, intrigue is the breath of their nostrils; God is 

 eternally in their mouths, but never in the heart ; envious of 

 each other, cruel and vindictive, human life is not valued, 

 and the unfortunate that trusts them is sure to be deceived. 

 From such elements the Affghan monarchy is to be construct- 

 ed under the restored king Shah Sujah, with the assistance of 

 the British. 



