1844.] Itinerary from Herat to Cabool via Candahar. 845 



end of the hill the small fort Kola- took, from whence this monarch bat- 

 tered it with his artillery. The siege lasted six months, and would 

 have continued longer, but that the daughter of Shah Hossain betrayed 

 and delivered the fort into Nadir's hands, who, as the price of her crime, 

 had her quartered in the presence of her father. From this fort a num- 

 ber of walls for defence branch off, and continue to the foot of the hill, 

 and which were built to resist the attacks of the Persians. It is sup- 

 posed that this city is that which Alexander built in Arachosia. 



The city Nadir Shah built, is about three miles south of Candahar, 

 and is now also in ruins. The ground of Candahar is very rich, and 

 well adapted for the growth of vines, which is not however sufficiently 

 cultivated, and much less than at Herat; its principal productions are 

 wheat, barley, tobacco, and madder : they also grow maize, peas, beans 

 and oil of sessamum. The banks of the Arghandab are studded with 

 orchards which produce a great quantity of fruit, above all, pome- 

 granates, mulberries, apples, plums and apricots ; this abundance would 

 allow of an army halting here for many months ; they are all remark- 

 ably cheap. Spring is the pleasantest time at Candahar, the heat is great 

 in summer, and above all, when there is a southerly wind. It is remark- 

 ed, that it only snows here about once in seven years ; the climate is 

 considered healthy, excepting in autumn, when fevers are very common. 



Amongst the several tribes that inhabit this country, the Barikzyes 

 are the most powerful ; then the Achikzyes ; and after them the Po- 

 pulzyes. The first reside in villages, and the others are nomads, the 

 riches of the latter consisting in their sheep and camels. 



The true character of the Affghan is better observed at Candahar than 

 at Herat, Cabool or Peshawur, as in the three last places, the number of 

 strangers mixed with them has softened their national traits. If you 

 compare their customs and usages with the Persians, you will find them 

 very similar, as they both follow the precepts of the Koran ; but as a 

 nation, one cannot help remarking that they are much rougher and 

 coarser in their manners. The want of civilization amongst them 

 proves that their rulers are always occupied in defending themselves 

 against the attacks of their neighbours, and have never thought of ame- 

 liorating their laws. The Affghan has neither the vanity or the polite- 

 ness of a Persian ; so far from resembling him in his easy way, and empty 

 compliments, he is grave, distant, cold in his replies, and even a little too 



