passing through a gorge coming upon marshy ground, running for some
distance along the Cabul river, to which we were here quite close. Passed
several villages about the mouth of the gorge, which is a short one.

The general features of the country continue the same; we crossed a
nullah near the camp, and another near the gorge, six miles from camp,
towards this last, grass covers the plains, though of a coarse kind; AErua
Nerioides most common on the barren ground.

We observed on the way a new Pterocles, and passed an old tope situated
on a low ridge.

The gorge is rather pretty; the Cabul river runs close, along the foot of
a range, forming the northern boundary of the place, where Bassoollah is
situated, this is also a pretty place, with much good grassy ground for
encamping on.

The country under Sofaid-Koh presents a long strip of cultivation, with
many villages: hills barrener than ever, chiefly limestone. Very little
snow here observed as on the eastern face of the high peaks of Sofaid-
Koh, compared with the quantity visible on the face towards Jallalabad.

About half-past two, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt, presenting
a rumbling noise, very audible, proceeding from east to west.

Between the village and the river, an extensive strip of level land
occurs, with sandy soil well adapted to rice, of which quantities are
grown. The crops are now ready for the sickle, and some partly cut: much
of this land is occupied by a marsh choked with bulrushes of both sorts,
Typha latifolia being the most common; Cyperaceae abound, Marsilea in
profusion, Azolla, Mentha, Epilobii sp. as before, Lemna, Valisneria
_verticillata_? Sium., Sagittaria, Pulicaria, Chara, Lippia, Monniera,
_Jhow_.

The river runs close under the hills, which are very barren, its course
is rapid, cataracts also are of frequent occurrence transmitting a great
body of water; no fish are visible. Some cotton and maize and _Toot_
cultivation. _Furas_ the only trees.

The mountains slope off from Sofaid-Koh in distinct groups, and are seen
to advantage, broken in some places into undulations: about the centre of
the slope an irregular strip of village forts and cultivation is
extended. The course of the Cabul river in many places is curious;
flowing between singularly round ranges. Snipe common; quail rare.
Erythraea common on moist sward.

_30th_.--Proceeded to Lalpore, the country undulating, the road skirting
the stony portions