Notes on Geology and Mineralogy of Afghanistan. 601 



21. Cinnabar of commerce, called Sheengruff. Is brought 

 from Persia, India, and Turkey, and sells at from 3 to 5 

 annas per tolah. It is used as a pigment for house and book 

 painting ; it also forms an article of the materia medica as a 

 cure for wounds, and is taken internally as calomel to 

 induce a change of system. 



22. Native sulphur, called Go-gurd. Is imported from 

 Bulk, Gurmsael, and from Sunnee near Bagh in Cutchi. That 

 from Gurmsael is the worst, and consequently sells at a less 

 price than the others. When the markets are well stocked 

 the best sulphur sells at 2\ to 3 annas per seer ; that from 

 Gurmsael at one anna less. In the winter when travelling 

 is impeded, and also at times when the supply is scanty, it 

 sells at 7 to 8 annas per seer. 



It is used in the manufacture of gunpowder and sulphuric 

 acid, and constitutes an article of materia medica. It occurs 

 both massive and crystallised in the mine at Sunnee, but the 

 manufactured brimstone alone reaches Candahar. The duty 

 is l-40th. 



23. Coal. Is found in the Bolan Pass, but apparently in 

 very small quantity ; it may probably occur however more 

 abundantly in some other parts of those mountains, and in 

 situations where it could be turned to account. Coal is 

 said to occur abundantly in some parts of the Huzzarah 

 mountains. 



24. Petroleum. Is found in the sulphur mine at Sunnee, 

 where it drops from the roof into a small hollow below ; it is 

 boiled with the dust and impurities of the native sulphur, 

 and produces a dark-coloured brimstone. 



25. Mineral pitch, or earthy bitumen. Is found in the Shah- 

 muksood range, where it is said to ooze in thick drops from 

 a lofty limestone peak. It is called Mumi-aye, and is esteemed 

 as highly efficacious in curing cuts and fractured limbs ! 



26. Salt, is distinguished by the names of " Shireen" and 

 " Shore." The Shireen, or white salt, is procured in the 



