1836.] and the ancient province of Taxila. 475 



The vault of the large salt mine fell in shortly after the visit of M. 

 Jacquemont. The section shews well the position of the salt, which 

 is, in fact, a solid rocky mass : towards the upper part it divides into 

 veins of white and red : — the latter are preferred ; the former contain- 

 ing lime and gypsum. 



The western mine is greater in depth, but less extensive than the 

 other. 250 steps were counted before reaching its focus : — the shafts 

 were only wide enough for one person to pass at a time, each carry- 

 ing a flambeau. The excavation is divided into two vaults ; one is now 

 abandoned, being cut away to a dangerous precipice. 



The lamps rendered the air and heat nearly insufferable when 

 Messrs. Wade and Murray visited it in company with M. Court. 



On the surface of this chain are scattered large blocks of gypsum, 

 worn as if by the action of the sea. Some yellow slates are also seen. 

 Vegetation is confined to saline plants and a few thorny bushes. 



Of the Indus and Hydaspes sufficient is already known. Danville 

 has fallen into an error in making the former pass by Hashtnagar, 

 which lies on a small tributary called the Jind. 



The climate of Taxila embraces extremes, from the healthy bracing 

 cold of the snowy mountain to the excessive heats of the southern 

 plains. The soil of the southern portion for want of water, as well as 

 from the presence of salt, is little adapted for cultivation, and the vil- 

 lages are consequently very scant. In the beautiful valleys to the 

 north, however, plentiful springs and a rich soil produce the opposite 

 effects of fertility and a dense population ; but agriculture is neglected 

 through the oppression of the Government. The perpetual verdure of 

 the hills to the north affords abundant pasturage for cattle. 



II. ON THE PROVINCE OF PESHA'WAR*. 



Peshawar, the city, supposed by some geographers to be Peu- 

 celaotis, of the Greeks, is said by its inhabitants to be built upon the 

 ruins of the ancient Baghram. In dimensions it certainly much sur- 

 passes Cdbul, but its suburbs and the number of gardens which extend 

 southward, contribute towards this apparent magnitude. Its houses 

 are slightly built of brick or mud, held together by wooden frame work. 

 This mode of building has, perhaps, been adopted on account of the 

 earthquakes, which are frequent, but seldom very serious. The houses 

 are generally provided with Sard-kkdnas, a description of cellar or 

 underground room, where the inhabitants spend the day, to avoid the 



* In this part of the translation, which follows the original more closely 

 than the foregoing, we are indebted to the same fair hand, to which we were 

 beholden on a former occasion. — Ed. 

 3 q 2 



