CHUGUR SERAI TO CHUGUR. 



457 



28th. — Spring coming on rapidly, snow not within 2,000 feet of 

 where it was twenty days back, and the sun oppressively hot ; winged 

 ants in abundance : whenever this happens it proves the perfection of 

 the crows, which are on all such occasions to be seen acting the part 

 of flycatchers in addition to their various other callings, soaring and 

 sweeping round after these insects, but not returning as Merops or 

 real flycatchers to a fixed station. I have hitherto seen only the 

 jackdaws at this spot in Calcutta, but here the real crow mingles 

 in it. 



In Calcutta, the common kite often acts a similar part, but 

 catches only with its feet. 



A small kingfisher is to be found here rarely, it is much like the 

 Indian blue and reddish one, the white and black kingfisher is not seen 

 here, although found at Jallalabad. 



The species of sw6-wader, with a stout upturned beak, is a true 

 Grallator, yet is not always about water, but often in the driest places ; 

 the genus has a flight strongly resembling that of certain Anatidse. 



A Monaul pheasant, or some similar splendid bird is found in the 

 snows of Kafnristan, all I have seen of it are a few feathers. 



Merula more common, Anthus, Timalia, observed. 



To-day one good specimen of a splendid pinus, allied to P. longi- 

 folia, was brought from the mountains, where it is found among 

 snow : this makes the third species ; one cultivated at Candahar near 

 a mosque ; the short-leaved Julghozeh, from Tazeen ; and this one 

 which has as fine a cone as can be wished. 



Where did the profusion of Justicia Adhatoda which I find here 

 come from, is it not a distinct species ? 



March 2nd. — Proceeded to Chugur Serai, started from the other 

 side of the ferry at 1 1-30 a. m., and reached at 4 p. m. No halt of any 

 consequence on the road. Passed Nachung at 12-50: the first rocky 

 ground occurred at the narrow part of the north side of the valley 2-25. 



15th. — And thence to Chugur 4 p. m., distance certainly thirteen 

 miles. 



Road decent, good about half-way, where it extends over cultiva- 

 tion on firm ground, then over rocky, stony, raviny ground. From 

 the 12-50 station, the valley becomes much narrower, and the river 

 confined to one bed : cultivation scanty, between this and Chugur, 

 where, about 400 yards of excessively difficult ground occurred, 

 commanded by the precipice under which the path, which is execra- 

 ble, runs. It is quite impassable for guns. 



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