292 Travels in Central Asia. [No. 3. 



deep ravines which wound away to the east, and formed a tributary 

 to the Oxus : none fell actually into the amphitheatre itself. There 

 were but few images carved on the pillars, all very rude in form, 

 some obscene, but highly polished, the smaller hieroglyphics, resem- 

 bling those at Abba Geth, were neatly finished. 



But the most surprising part of the narration is the acoustic 

 effects of the wind and water-falls producing musical notes, which 

 give different effects, louder or softer, according to the situation of 

 the stander, at the base resembling an JEolian harp, in the middle 

 tiers an organ, while in the higher places, military music. 



3rd. — Proceeds towards Derra Derwas through rugged mountains, 

 stops at caves occupied by two devotees, who worship the sun and 

 certain idols. The principal of whom they styled Akoo or Hakoo 

 (which may have some connection with Aka Carbghar) the other 

 " Shoob," (query Shiva ?) whom they consider the titulary deity of 

 the Shooly tribe. 



4<th. — Through rugged mountains to the fort of Droo at the south 

 entrance of the Derra ; here crossed the stream found by the Shooh 

 cascades. 



5tk. — Left Droo and enter the pass. The Oxus here pretty con- 

 siderable; most of the tributaries from the westward; the pass 

 to Tundrel westerly to the post of Cheela. 



A considerable post on the side of the mountain ; — north of the pass 

 and on the western side of the mountain, at the foot of the fort, a 

 village of 7-8000 inhabitants, partly Moghul partly Shooly. The 

 chief, a very obliging Moghul. To the east of the village a narrow 

 culturable valley lay N. and S. About a mile off the sources of the 

 Oxus. A long series of spongy ground lies at the base of basaltic 

 mountains, and the springs collecting into one body flow out to the 

 S. then E. for 1^ days march, entered then E. S. E. into the 

 Derra Derwas, 30 miles beyond Cheela, and then westerly to 

 Turkistan. 



