1859.] The Flooding of the Indus. 217 



clay to cement it together, and if it could be kept damp (not wet) 

 would yield a soft, but, for light traffic, a very pleasant and suitable 

 surface. 



The last point to which attention is directed is the peculiar 

 effects of the flood upon the Cabul river. 



The slope of the bed of this river is a little under 2 feet per mile 

 and very uniform throughout the part affected. The directness 

 with which it lies contrary to the course of the Indus has already 

 been noted, and it would appear that the flood water, finding vent 

 that way, ran over the down stream of the river, no doubt check- 

 ing it and interfering with it in some degree, but probably not alto- 

 gether destroying it. 



The velocity with which the flood passed over the Cabul river was 

 probably at first somewhat greater than what it had through 

 Ghuch, diminishing as it ran up. Nowshera was reached about 8 a. m. 

 giving a mean speed of upwards of 10 miles per hour. The first effect 

 observed there was, that the water was running backwards a little more 

 rapidly than it usually ran forward ; so singular a statement, as it 

 would appear at first sight, was naturally, till often reiterated, met by 

 incredulity. But when the fact became certain, there could not be 

 much hesitation about the cause, especially as it was well known 

 that on the prior occasion great destruction had taken place at the 

 city of Nowshera, and as the residents in the cantonments were 

 well aware of the report that another such flood might be expected. 

 Soon light materials, particularly stacks of wheat-straw, were seen 

 floating up, and these were heaped against the bridge of boats, 

 which now curved up instead of down stream, and at last in the 

 course of the forenoon broke up by the snapping of the two strong 

 cables (one inch aud seven-eighth inch) which, heavily fastened down 

 at their extremities, and passing over low towers, supported the boats 

 against the stream. These being now in part released were carried 

 up the river, and some were stranded on the open plain 7 miles above. 

 The flood still continued rising and was at its maximum at 

 Nowshera about 3 p. m., about which time the last of the dwelling- 

 houses, which were mostly built between the Trunk Road and the 

 river bank, fell to pieces. It was observed that such of the houses 

 as were not provided with upper windows gave the appearance of a 



2 ii 



