190 Account of the Lower Berajdt. [No. 3. 



well as the communication kept up, by a small body of troops 

 stationed on the western slope of the Black Range in the Bozdar 

 country, the temperature of which, even in the hottest months 

 of the year, is never disagreeably high. From their proximity to 

 us in the Derajat there would be no fear of treachery, as in case of 

 necessity a body of troops could, in a single night or in one day, 

 advance half way through the pass and along the road to support 

 this post, or aid in its withdrawal, which might thus be effected in 

 one forced march. In case of an advance to assist our ally, Dost 

 Muhammad Khan, and with a previous arrangement on his part, 

 immediately on clearing the Black Range, a force advancing from 

 Multan would enter a fruitful and temperate district where supplies 

 and forage of all kinds and descriptions might be obtained ; and 

 this in itself would tend greatly to lighten the force, from there 

 being no necessity for burthening it with a quantity of Commis- 

 sariat stores, or even as much as usual. 



Springs of good water are also numerous, and this aliment can be 

 procured in any quantity at the different stages along the line of 

 march. It occupies a caravan about three hours from the time 

 of entering the last pass which leads through the Black Eange, 

 until the difficulties are overcome and the western slope gained. 

 After passing this range the mountains again begin to rise at a 

 distance of about twelve miles to the west, but they are compa- 

 ratively low, and the difficulties of the road are by no means so 

 great. The passage over the former range would be, however, a 

 difficult matter, should the Bozdars occupy and fortify the denies 

 beforehand. 



The next valley and pass to the south is that of Mahoey, which 

 contains some good land, and is held by the Bozdar tribe. A 

 small river flowing from east to west gives name to the valley, which 

 leads into that of Sanghar, distant from it seven miles. The road 

 is practicable for loaded camels and such like beasts of burden, 

 should the Bozdars throw no obstacles in the way. The Gulamani 

 branch of this tribe dwell about the Black Eange, and to the west 

 of them again the Liini Kakarrs, who are by far the most numerous 

 tribe in this vicinity. 



The Bozdars are bounded on the east by the Miitkanis, south by 



