1841.] liepoit on subjects connected with Affghanistan, 803 



and all those to the east or south-east, or south of Cabul, Ghuzni, 

 Candahar and Quettah.* Of the mountains of the Khilat territory I 

 have no personal knowledge, nor do I know to what system of moun- 

 tains they are approximately referrible. On surmounting the crest of 

 the Kharlekhir pass, peaks of considerable altitude covered with snow, 

 at that season at least, were seen to the south. 



A high mountain, Chiltern, rivalling Tuchatoo in height, towered 

 over the valley of Quettah to the south-westward of the town, but with 

 what chain this was united. I do not know. It will be readily seen, 

 that this grouping of the Affghan mountains is only approximate, if even 

 this much share of truth can be claimed for it. Mountainous systems, 

 like all others, pass into each other by numerous ramifications : an 

 intimate knowledge of which is only to be attained by close and exten- 

 sive acquaintance with the features of the country. "f 



I have before alluded to the barrenness of the Hindoo Koosh and 

 Koh-i-Baba ; this is a general characteristic, equally affecting their low 

 offsets and the culminating ridges as far as an altitude of 15,000 feet. 

 This barreimess may be said to be comparatively absolute ; that of the 

 barest portions of the lower ranges of the Himalayas between Bhar and 

 Simla is rich and luxuriant clothing, compared with what occurs in 

 Affghanistan. Of the structure of these mountains, I regret not being 

 competent to give an account. Very generally their surfaces are 

 immediately rocky, except in some of the offsets, interposed between 

 the Sufaid Koh and the ranges derived from the Hindoo Koosh, to- 

 wards the western end of the valley of Jilalabad. There they are 

 composed of sand, in all degrees of softness and induration, in which 

 last state it becomes tabular. Alternating layers of a conglomerate, 

 often exceedingly hard, are to be met with in this sandstone. Excep- 

 tions also occur in the valley of Bamean, on both sides of which the 

 offsets are composed of earthy or clayey materials of varied and 

 rather vivid colours. Generally speaking, the Affghan mountains did 



* It is this range that will best repay the trouble of future botanical investigations. 

 Its isolated situation, and its elevation as well as prolongation to the southward, in- 

 vest it with pecuUar interest. From a few specimens brought to me at Kbaffal, I 

 apprehend its Flora will approach to that of the Himalayas, 



t The appearance of the highest ridges and peaks of both these chains appeared 

 to me to resemble such as I had seen in the far more magnificent Himalayas. 



