1844.] Itinerary from Herat lo Cabool via Candahar. 841 



which waters the lands of Bakora, an isolated village. The plain was 

 covered with hares, antelopes and wild asses ; this last species of quadru- 

 ped, is always in herds. In the middle of the plain, stands a small hill 

 called Kou-Doug ; passing to the North, we found ourselves attacked, 

 without warning, by a band of Beloochees, some on horseback and 

 others riding upon camels. They succeeded in carrying six beasts that 

 were laden from the rear of the caravan ; during this time we rallied 

 and opposed them, but continued moving on with our ranks well closed 

 up ; returning to the attack, they made another attempt to overpower us, 

 but a volley that we discharged, obliged them to retire, and permit us 

 to continue our route unmolested, which we did as far as the Kostraud 

 river. From thence we entered again into the passes of this hilly 

 country, moving with the greatest caution, for fear of encountering 

 more Beloochees, but happily we met with no more disasters. Our next 

 stage was at the village of Vorachenk, which is encircled by a mud 

 wall, it is inhabited by Noorzyes, who have the character of being very 

 expert thieves : they are in the habit, like the rest of the Affghans, of 

 collecting and mixing with the caravans, under the pretext of seeking 

 for news, and committing every sort of pilfering ; it is necessary, therefore, 

 for travellers to keep a sharp look-out, or they are sure to be plundered : 

 the country which extends to the N. of this village, is neither cultivated 

 nor inhabited. The river Kosh-Zaub passes through it, coming from the 

 N., and which is no other than a strong torrent, which, at the time we 

 crossed it, was nearly dry ; in these hills, according to Kondemir, lived 

 the noted impostor Hakim-ben-Hasheen, who, from natural causes, pro- 

 duced effects, which astonished the inhabitants of these countries, and 

 who looked upon him as a man inspired. 



On leaving Vorachenk, we descended through a mountainous country 

 into the plain of Sar, inhabited by the tribe of Subjezyes, having always 

 in sight the Dohar hills, which forms part of the Ferouz Khan range, 

 and which are inhabited by Alizyes. This country of Dohosi may very 

 possibly be Dat, where Alexander passed through after having defeated 

 the Scythians. From this, we moved upon Girisk ; in approaching this 

 town, a great change for the better was observed ; in the surrounding 

 country, we saw a district well cultivated and watered by the Helmund 

 river ; this river has it source in the province of Gour, entering on the 

 low country through the Dohar hills, it runs here from the N.E. to 



