82 On the Mineral resources, fyc. of Northern Afghanistan. [No. 109. 



Osman Khan informs me, that during Dost Mahomed's time, he used to hire able- 

 bodied labourers for cutting canals, and reclaiming waste land at Balabagh, at 

 the rate of two annas per day ; but that now he hires them for about three annas. The 

 rate which at present exists in Cabool is a forced one, the result of a combination of 

 circumstances, which can only last for a limited period until things find their proper 

 level. 



The Jajee tribe, and other industrious mountaineers, are all robust and stout-looking 

 people, and during the winter travel as far as Peshawur for employment, which they 

 would not be induced to do if work were afforded them at home. There are few points 

 in the country more favorably situated for a command of good workmen than the min- 

 ing district under discussion. 



As the price of labour, however, is directly affected by the price of food, it will be a 

 matter of great importance for the successful working of the mines, that the arable land 

 in their vicinity be properly attended to. If the mountains bear witness to an extent of 

 industry unknown to their present ill-fated occupants, the state of agricultural affairs 

 in the adjoining fertile plain of Mogur, bears equal evidence of a former state of great 

 prosperity, and points, in a significant manner, to the withering effects of Afghan mis- 

 rule. The remains of ancient canals and water courses, the quantity of available land 

 now lying waste, or in a low state of cultivation, the wretched condition of the people, 

 and their inability to procure the necessary means of cultivating the soil, all show how 

 much might be done by the application of capital, as well to the labours of the field, as - 

 to the dormant mineral resources of the country. 



In conclusion, the following facts I would submit, may be considered as fully esta- 

 blished, viz. : 



Decided indications of abundance of copper, and of the richest varieties of ore. Wood 

 in abundance, for timbering the mines, and for charcoal. 



Water as a moving power for impelling machinery, thus obviating the expence of 

 steam, camels, mules, &c. for carriage. 



A hardy and able-bodied population on the spot, anxious to be employed as work- 

 men. 



Here therefore are the means for the production of this metal, and apparently to any 

 required extent. It now only remains, that the inquiries 1 have had the honour of com- 

 mencing, should be followed up ; arrangements made for the suppression of the prepa- 

 tory system ; the providing an adequate capital for working the mines on scientific 

 principles ; and adopting such measures as will facilitate the transit of metallic pro- 

 duce to water carriage on the one hand, and the different marts in the interior on the 

 other. 



Iron of Northern Afghanistan. 



As no mining operations can be carried on without a command of well-fabricated 

 iron, the state of the manufacture of this indispensable metal becomes a primary 

 consideration, in any attempt to render the mineral resources of an uncivilized coun- 

 try available; and certainly if any thing be required to show the abject state of the 

 arts in this quarter of the globe, the iron trade and manufacture may be quoted as an 

 instance. 



The iron of Bajour, which is produced from magnetic iron sand, is not only in use 

 throughout the northern districts of Afghanistan ; but from its superior quality, is 



