1841.] Report on subjects connected with Afghanistan, 1007 



suggest, that the article alluded to, should dictate the line of operations, 

 should the experinaent be sanctioned by Government. 



The same manure which in Flanders frequently ensures very large 

 returns, will not be difficult to procure, and may with much greater 

 cleanliness be used for the improvement of this plant, than in the 

 baking of bread, or heating of baths. 



Cochineal, I must not pass over a product of the animal kingdom, 

 which though not indigenous to Afghanistan, is to Central Asia. I allude 

 t<j the Cochineal, to which attention was first drawn by Sir A. Burnes, 

 in his adventurous journey to Bokhara. This same distinguished 

 officer obligingly furnished me with samples of the Asiatic product 

 and that of America, derived from Russian commerce. He also sent me 

 specimens of a leguminous shrub on which the insect is said to feed, 

 and which is indigenous to Afghanistan. I could not detect any difference 

 between the two articles, either in their appearance or the colour of 

 their infusion. The subject is worth enquiring into ; for my own part, 

 I could not but apprehend that some mistake has occurred, and that 

 the Asiatic insect, of whatever nature its colouring matter may be, will 

 be found to differ in more material points from the American one. 



