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CHAPTER XVI. 

 From Cabul to Bamean — The Helmund, and Oxus rivers. 



2\th August, 1839. — Left Cabul for Bamean, and marched to 

 Urghundee. • 



25th. — To the Cabul river, distance twelve and a half miles ; di- 

 verged from the Cabul road at Urghundee Chokey, striking obliquely 

 across a ravine that debouches into the main valley at this point. 

 The course of the river ENE. or thereabouts, then we entered a ravine 

 to the west side of the river, and commenced ascending the pass, 

 which is not difficult, and although rather steep at first, subsequently 

 it becomes merely undulated, the surrounding hills of the pass have 

 the usual character, but are separated by mere ravines. Vegetation 

 very scanty ; Senecioniodes very common, as also Joussa and Statice 

 of Dund-i-sheer ; here I noticed the Solora found in the wood at 

 Kilatkajee. The Barometer at the summit of the pass, 22*148: 

 thermometer 60°. An extensive view is had from it, up the Cabul 

 river, the valley of which is well cultivated, but presents nothing 

 very striking in its neighbouring mountains. Great numbers of 

 sheep passed us going towards Cabul, also numbers of Patans with 

 their families, all on camels, than some of which last nothing could be 

 finer. The women's dress consists of loose gowns, generally bluish, 

 with short waists coming almost up under the arms, and leggings 

 of folded cloths ; they are a gipsey-like, sun-burnt, good looking 

 people. Numbers of asses laden with grain were also passed. At 

 the halting place indifferent apples only were to be had. Slight rain 

 fell in the afternoon from east, then it became heavier from west. 



26th. — Distance eight miles, the road lay along the Cabul river up 

 a gentle ascent, over undulated ground ; features of country the same, 

 villages, etc., abundant. Heavy rain set in from the west after our 

 arrival at the encamping ground at 4 p. m., with thunder. Night 

 hazy, heavy dew. 



27th. — To Sir-i-Chushme, distance ten miles, direction continues 

 easterly up the Cabul river valley : features the same ; road generally 

 good, here and there stony, crossed a large tributary falling into the 

 Cabul river, from the north at Juljaily, a large village, the largest in 

 the valley, and very pretty. Poplars and willows in plenty along river. 

 Near Sir-i-Chushme the valley becomes narrow ; the river passing 



