988 Eeport on subjects connected with Afghanistan. [No. 120. 



Most of these fruits are consumed in the country ; some, such as a 

 large thick-skinned grape, (like the exported Portugal grape), the 

 seedless pomegranate, walnuts, apples, and figs are exported ; but with 

 the exception of the grapes, perhaps, in no great quantity, large 

 quantities of the thick-skinned grapes alluded to are consumed in 

 winter throughout the country. 



From many preserves are made, and commonly sold in the bazaars. 

 Some again, especially the apricot, kissmiss grape, fig, and white mul- 

 berry are prepared by drying ; the apricot in this state, is, I believe, called 

 goobani. The dried mulberries abound in saccharine matter, and are 

 used to a considerable extent, as is likewise the dried kissmiss or raisin. 



The peaches are of large size, and good flavour, but are generally 

 damaged by premature plucking and rough usage, the Afghans not 

 being acquainted with the European niceties attended to in gathering 

 such fruits. Nectarines I did not see, but I was told that they are 

 grown at Candahar. None of the plums are particularly good, and the 

 cherries are much more adapted for preserves, than for eating fresh. 



Of the several kinds of grapes, I prefer the kissmiss ; this is a 

 small roundish, seedless, grape, of a greenish colour, tinged with 

 brown when perfectly ripe. Besides this, Afghanistan possesses a very 

 large oblong fleshy purple grape ; a green grape of similar properties, 

 other respects than colour, chiefly kept for winter use and for exporta- 

 tion; a large highly flavoured round purple grape; a dark purple round 

 sweet grape, with very large and very small fruits on the same bunch, 

 the small ones being seedless. All these, and I dare say more may be 

 procured at Cabul or Candahar. There is also a very large round sub- 

 fleshy green grape, the ungoori kuttah, which is produced along the N. 

 face of the Sofaid Koh, as about the Khujjah district. 



The surda melon is, I think, unknown in India; it is very distinct, 

 apparently both from the musk and water melon, is of an oblong 

 shape, with firm whitish flesh; it is sweeter than the musk melon, to 

 which I think it very inferior. It must be remarked, however, that 

 it is said only to attain its perfect flavour after having been touched 

 by the frost; it is in extensive use throughout the earlier winter 

 months. 



The seedless pomegranates have a high reputation. I never was 

 fortunate enough to meet with really fine ones. 



