1859.] Notes on Kdfiristan. 327 



Should there be no trees sufficiently near the spot, the ropes are 

 either attached to strong stakes driven into the ground, or made 

 fast to the rocks. On each side of this suspension bridge there is 

 another rope by which a person crossing may steady himself. Some 

 people crawl along on their hands and knees, and others, less timor- 

 ous, walk across ; still the depth of the yawning abyss beneath, 

 accompanied at times by the deafening sound of the foaming tor- 

 rent that seems to shake the very rocks, renders this mode of cross- 

 ing, even to those accustomed to it, fearful in the extreme. 



Other bridges, when the narrowness of the chasms will permit, 

 and trees of sufficient length are available, are formed by placing 

 three, four, or more logs side by side. The Kafirs cross the smaller 

 chasms and mountain-torrents of no great breadth, by meaus of 

 leaping poles. In the use of these they are exceedingly expert, and 

 being a particularly active race, can climb the steepest hills. 



Horses, mules, asses, and camels, are unknown in the Kafir coun- 

 try ; and burdens are either carried by bullocks or on men's backs, 

 chiefly by a tribe of people designated Baris, mentioned hereafter ; 

 although the Kafirs themselves do not disdain, upon occasion, to 

 carry a load. 



They possess numerous herds of cows yielding great quantities 

 of ghion clarified butter, a staple article of consumption, and of a 

 superior description. The goats are most numerous, and are of a 

 particularly fine breed, said to be much superior to those of the 

 neighbouring countries ; but sheep are few in proportion. They also 

 rear an infinite number of fowls. Dogs and cats are common. 



For the purpose of milking the cows and goats, the females go 

 into the pastures, where they graze. When a woman wishes to 

 milk her cows, she places the milk pail before her, and calls out the 

 name of the cow she wishes to operate upon first ; for all the ani- 

 mals have their peculiar names. On this the cow comes lowing 

 towards her, and stands over the vessel. Having milked her, the 

 woman sends her away and calls out the name of another cow, and 

 so on until the whole have given up their milk, the greater part of 

 which is made iuto butter, cheese, and curds. 



The chief vegetable productions of Kafiristan consist of wheat, 

 which is cultivated in a greater proportion than any other grain, 



2 u 2 



