1859.] Notes on Kdfiristdn. 325 



The Wardoj, which disembogues into the Kokcha, as already 

 mentioned, rises on the northern slope of the mountains towards 

 Kashkar or Chifcral, through the valley of which, a winding pass, 

 occupying a journey of three days, brings one to the borders of that 

 state, and another pass to the west leads into Kanristan ; but these 

 routes are only practicable in the summer months. Another small 

 stream joins the Panj at Ishtarak in Badakhshan ; and by following 

 up the course for three days, the borders of Kashkar are reached. 



The regions in which these rivers rise, and through which those 

 south of the Hindu Kush now, have, from the days of Herodotus 

 downwards, been said to abound in gold, a statement that is fully 

 substantiated : for in the present day, quantities of the precious 

 metal continue to be found in the beds of the rivers. I shall offer some 

 further remarks on this subject in another place. 



The physical aspect of Kafiristan is similar to that of the dis- 

 tricts further east ; and consists of a succession of large and nar- 

 row valleys, through which the principal rivers flow, bounded by 

 ridges of lofty mountains on each side, which are generally covered 

 with snow. The large valleys are again crossed in a transverse di- 

 rection by numerous smaller ones opening into them. These are, 

 in the same manner, again crossed by others still smaller and almost 

 innumerable; and through the whole of these, small streams run 

 and increase the volume of the larger rivers. 



There is much diversity of temperature and variability of climate, 

 caused by the occasional great difference of elevation — some parts of 

 the country being considerably depressed. In the more elevated 

 tracts, the summer heat is never oppressive, and in the winter months 

 the snow lies on the ground for many weeks together. The more de- 

 pressed valleys again are well-sheltered from the cutting blasts of 

 winter ; and, although surrounded on all sides by beetling moun- 

 tains capped with eternal snows, the heat in the months of June, 

 July, and August, is considerable. In some of the most secluded 

 places, it is rather oppressive ; and is sufficient to bring to perfec- 

 tion great quantities of excellent grapes, and other fruits, consti- 

 tuting a large portion of the people's food. From the grapes a good 

 the Kafirs usually make their inroad into Badakshan." " Wood : Journey to 



THE OXTTS." 



2 U 



