EXTRACTS FROM HIS LETTERS. 



xxvii 



and to increase my materials in an extremely interesting direction. 

 I remained about Otipore for some weeks, making arrangements for 

 penetrating into Kaffiristan and little Cashgur, and in daily expecta- 

 tion of being joined by the late Capt. E. Connolly ; all my plans, 

 which first seemed to promise success, were completely frustrated 

 by the disturbances which broke out in Bajore, consequent on Meer 

 Alum Khan's absence at Jallalabad. Capt. Connolly barely escaped 

 with his life from the hands of the Momauds. Meer Alum Khan 

 found on his return towards his government that he could not leave 

 Chugur- Serai, and at last, circumstances threatened so much around 

 Otipore and Chugur- Serai, that Meer Alum Khan insisted on my 

 leaving Otipore and on returning with him to Jallalabad. I did not 

 leave a moment too soon, for shortly after, Syud Hoshin turned 

 Otipore by crossing the hills to the north of Deogul, and very soon 

 possessed himself of Otipore. Meer Alum and I reached Jallalabad 

 in safety, having been attacked once on the road. 



" I remained at Jallalabad a few days, and was driven thence to 

 Khaggah by the necessity of obtaining medical aid. I reached 

 Khaggah in a high fever, and was confined to my bed for six weeks : 

 during my severe illness, I experienced the greatest kindness and 

 attention from Dr. Thomson and Dr. Andrew Paton, of the H. C. 

 European Regt. 



" Early in July I proceeded to Cabul for change of air, and as soon 

 as I recovered a little strength, started to join Lieut. Sturly, who 

 was surveying on the Toorkistan frontier. I met that Officer at 

 Syghan the day he left to prosecute his surveys, which had been 

 interrupted by the Kamard disturbances : he was recalled to Syghan, 

 in consequence of heavier and more serious disturbance. 



" I returned to Cabul, as I found it impossible to proceed beyond 

 Syghan, and then waited with impatience for a season that would 

 enable me to cross the Punjab without great risk to my still debi- 

 litated constitution. 



" My establishment of collectors consisted of unintelligent AfF- 

 ghans, who were particularly prone to abrupt abscondings, and my 

 supplies of materials and carriage very limited. 



" The botanical collection is as extensive as could be expected 

 from the nature of the country and the climate. It is in excellent 

 order, consisting of about 1500 species, and a great number of dupli- 

 cates. This collection has been formed on the principles which have 

 guided me on former travels. Those principles I conceive to require 



