552 Wood's Report on the River Indus. [No. 115. 



throughout the entire line, not a single loch is necessary, save for 

 occasionally cleaning the canal. The returns would be great, and the 

 outlay very moderate compared to that of similar work in countries 

 where natural obstacles have to be surmounted, and labour is a more 

 valuable commodity than in Sinde. 



The country around Shikarpoor is subject to inundation ; but west 

 of the town, and contiguous to the suburbs, is a dry plain, where 

 buildings to any extent could be erected. 



I do not believe there is a healthy spot on the banks of the Indus ; 

 in this respect there is little choice ; some towns have ailments peculiar 

 to themselves ; but from the day the river begins to fall in September 

 to the end of November, asthma and fever are common, from the 

 mountains at Kalabagh to the sea. 



Bukkur fort and Roree are built upon hillocks of flint, which though 

 not high, render both these places more healthy than towns in the 

 plains. The first is a fortified islet amid channel, and Roree overhangs the 

 left bank of the river, with a depth of four fathoms water under the 

 walls. As a depot for military purposes or an entrepot for commerce, 

 much could be written in favour of both these places. 



Mittun. — The, geographical position of Mittun is superior to that of 

 any town upon the Indus. In addition to commanding of both the 

 Indus and Punjaub streams, it stands midway between the gates (as the 

 natives term them) of Khorassan, namely, the passes of Bolan and Sakhi 

 Surwar, while immediately behind it are the entrances of the former 

 pass by the auxiliary routes of Assui and Hunnund. The town is built 

 upon a small artificial mound, and when the freshes are in the river it 

 is surrounded on three sides by water ; it is two miles distant from the 

 Indus, but from the middle of June to the 22d of September, 

 boats can discharge or take in cargo immediatly under the town, by 

 means of a fine natural water-course, navigable down the Bangalah and 

 Omerkote. South of Mittun, is a dry plain that fringes the above nullah ; 

 and should this town be preferred for the site of a fair,* it is on the 

 bank of this stream that booths and other buildings should be erected. 

 During the inundated months, camels cannot travel north or west of 

 Mittun. The inhabitants prefer well-water to that of the Indus. When 



* Since selected for the purpose. 



A 



