1853.] Travels in Central Asia. 303 



Story of two Europeans killed as evil spirits. 



10th. — Sends all his papers and goods on with the Syud to wait 

 at Peshank, and proceeds simply armed and in goat-skin dress ; 

 rambles about Khoest, while a son of Shaubul got permission for 

 him to proceed. 



At the meeting of the Khoest torrent with the Khaima river 

 is a bituminous spring forming a black slimy bed 36 yards long, 

 5 feet thick, at the foot of a precipitous rocky ridge — beneath it a thin 

 stratum of greenish sulphureous matter, then another black bed, 

 looking like metallic scori : two miles from this are emetic springs, 

 used by the natives, which contain copper. The mountains are 

 here composed of granite, on which rests mica slate or clay slate, 

 with occasional masses of lime-stone and sandstone with fossil 

 shells. 



Large mountain-deer numerous, also a smaller spotted deer, ibex, 

 goats, &c. &c. &c. ; two sorts of musk ; the drug is only used for 

 magic, not collected, and the flesh not eaten. 



Tradition of the Oosthoo pigmy tribe, now represented by the 

 Khoo and a few wanderers in the most inaccessible recesses, who 

 use slings with great skill. 



(Tale of Alexander's conquest of Peshawur is here inserted, 

 (Gandur, the Eusufzahy country), and how the remnants of his 

 army and the Gandurites were repulsed by the Hindus ; forced to 

 shelter in the higher ranges and thus founded the Kafir race.) 



Snow heavy. 



21st. — The Eahk, or disciple returns with an invitation to visit 

 Sheheh Thaiu, with two Oorgs or priests to show the way ; hands 

 and feet again examined if broke. 



22d. — Ascended the stream to North, on West bank about 

 five miles to cross by a log thrown across the top of a frightful 

 chasm ; most difficult path rendered worse by snow and ice ; to 

 summit of ridge 2000 yards. Continued Southerly on E. bank of 

 river ; rested for night in a cave opposite Khoest. Their food was 

 toasted Sail, (seed of an herb) and Kheira or Khee ? with Laiss 

 (wild garlic). 



23rd. — S. and S. E. rocky bare region ; granite and limestone to a 



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