capital grazing for
camels. Three high red mounds stood respectively to the south-east,
south, and south-west, while almost north (350 deg.) the two high pointed
conical peaks we had observed on the previous march were again visible.
On the south-east there was quite a high mountain range.

This was a region of sand banks, all facing north, only one out of the
lot spreading in a south-south-west direction, and of semi-spherical sand
hills which were also numerous.

On getting near Sotag the sandy ground was so covered with gypsum that
for some distance it looked just as if it had snowed. The photograph
reproduced in the illustration gives a good idea of the scenery in that
part.

Some three and a half miles from Sotag a gap in the hills afforded a view
of an extensive plain to the south, with innumerable reddish-yellow sand
hills, and a range of high mountains far away beyond. From this point the
track rises gently over an undulation about 88 feet higher than the
plain, and on the other side undulations continue, and nothing whatever
is to be seen except the same range of hills to the south, with its
peaks assuming pyramidical shapes toward the eastern portion.

[Illustration: Ziarat at Chah Sandan. (Belind Khan Salaaming.)]

[Illustration: Desert covered with Gypsum, near Sotag.]

We passed the salt well of Jujiki about half way between the two
stations, and arrived at the desolate shed of Chakal at nine in the
evening, where the thatched roofs of two out of three of the rooms had
been torn down to supply fuel to travellers. There is only a salt well at
this place, but some two miles off the road a well of good water has been
dug, near which a new bungalow has been erected.

But as we arrived late, having done a double march--

Mirui to Sotag 12 miles 1,320 yards
Sotag to Chakal 14 " 220 "
--------------------
Total 26 miles 1,540 yards

--and as I intended moreover continuing to Dalbandin after three hours'
rest, I did not avail myself of the convenience. We had carried a supply
of good water with us. There was no wood here nor grazing for camels, but
both fuel and food for the animals can be obtained at the Bungalow.

Chakal was at the identical altitude of Mirui, 3,600 feet.

My camels with loads left at midnight, and some two hours later I
followed. This was a most uninteresting march in a north-east by east
(70 deg.) direction with sand hills on e