MAIDAN TO ARGHUNDEK. 



383 



cultivation at the foot of the east boundary range, for about a mile, 

 when we halted. The ruins of a stone bridge exist over the river, 

 one arch remaining on the left bank. 



The valley is the prettiest we have seen, the hills to the west and 

 north being lofty and picturesque ; one to the latter direction present- 

 ing an appearance exactly like that of snow on its ridge, quite white, 

 but not changing even at noon, nor occupying such places, as it 

 would do if it were snow. The mountains, except those to the west, 

 are not boldly peaked, the valley is prettily diversified with wood, all 

 of the usual sombre cypress-like appearance, from the trees, especially 

 poplars, being clipped. Cultivation and water both plentiful : villages 

 and small forts numerous, with very barren mountains. This was the 

 place where Dost Mahommud was to have fought ; he could not have 

 selected a better, the ridge entering the valley, and the passage of 

 the river, as well as that of the fort would have afforded good posi- 

 tions : a road however runs round the base of the eminence on the 

 river side. By swamping the valley, or cutting a canal, and entrench- 

 ing himself he might have caused great difficulties. Apples are abun- 

 dant here, rosy and sweet. 



Cultivation of the valley consists of wheat, barley, Cicer, not 

 chunna, maize, rice, carrots, beans, peas. 



The river side is well furnished with willows and poplars, Salix 

 viminea also occurs ; the villages are generally square, with a bastion 

 at each corner, and loopholes. Cyprinus microsquamatus,* common. 



6th. — Arghundee, distance eight miles, direction for the first fourth 

 of the way NE., then considerably to the eastward, when we soon 

 left the valley and commenced with an ascent over a low ridge by 

 a vile stony road over undulating ground. On reaching the ridge 

 a similar descent took place, where the road becomes less stony, but 

 much intersected by ravines. We encamped about three miles from 

 the ridge, in a rather barren narrow valley. Nothing of interest oc- 

 curred on the road, except Dost Mohammud's guns, which are the 

 best I have seen in the country. The hills to our north crowded 

 closely together, the inner ranges are very high, with the appearance 

 of snow. 



Hindoo-koosh is dimly seen in the distance to the eastward. In 

 some streams water birds, particularly the small kingfisher of India are 

 seen. The Hoopoe is common, Merops, Pastor, and ravens. New 



* Schizothorax Edeniana, Cal. Journ. Nat. Hist. Vol. II. p. 579. 



