1841.] On the Mineral resources, fyc. of Northern Afghanistan. 93 



Gold is found in several streams north of the Cahool river. 



Coal is found in the Huzareh, the Ghilzye, and the Wuzeeree districts. 



Sulphur is found in the Huzareh districts. 



Here then are materials for commencing the work of civilization in this rude and 

 barbarous region, giving a stimulus to its commerce, increasing its revenues, and 

 affording employment to its indigent, but hardy and industriously inclined popula- 

 tion. 



A remark has been made, that " the mountains in this world no doubt abound in 

 mines, but that the people must be enlightened before they can be worked." And 

 in what way might I ask, is this period of enlightenment to be brought about? Are 

 these great mineral repositories intended to lie idle in the meantime, to form mere- 

 ly the subject of a scientific theme, and furnish a few specimens for the cabinets of 

 the curious — or, are they designed by an unerring Hand for the great moral end, not 

 only of administering to the immediate wants of the people, but in their very extrac- 

 tion to be the means of exercising their energies, mental as well as physical, 

 improving their habits, and thereby contributing effectually to raise them from the 

 brutal condition into which they have fallen 1* 



Let this nation be taught the practical manual arts, so as to enable them to turn 

 the productions of their country to account,-r-let the hand of the Afghan, under the 

 eye of the European, unlock that wealth which is intended for his use, — then may we 

 expect to see the rays of civilization break in upon the moral and intellectual gloom 

 which pervades this darkened land. 



* In a casual conversation I had lately with the intelligent Barukzye chief I have alluded to 

 (Oosmen Khan) he observed : — " If the feeling of the English people towards this country be as you 

 describe it, and its various resources receive that attention which it is out of the power of my own 

 countrymen, from their poverty and ignorance to bestow on them, then not only will Cabool become 

 happy and contented, but surrounding nations, on seeing the prosperity of Cabool, will desire of 

 themselves to come under the protection of the English." 



