A Peep into Toorkisthhan | Page 3

the different strata of the Toorkisth[=a]n hills would amply reward
the researches of the Geologist, and to the Numismatologist this portion
of Asia proves eminently interesting, Balkh and other localities in its
vicinity abounding in ancient coins, gems, and other relics of former
days; and I much regret that I was unable to reach the field from
whence I expected to gather so rich a harvest.

CHAPTER II.
In accordance with the golden rule of restricting our baggage to the
least possible weight and compass, we allowed ourselves but one pony
a piece for our necessaries, in addition to what were required for our
small tent and cooking utensils, Sturt's surveying instruments being all
carried by Affgh[=a]n porters whom he hired at Cabul for that purpose.
On the 13th of June we commenced our ramble, intending to proceed to
Balkh by the road through Bamee[=a]n, as we should then have to
traverse the principal passes of the Hindoo Khosh, and our route would
be that most likely to be selected by an army either advancing from
Bokh[=a]r[=a] on Cabul or moving in the opposite direction. The
plundering propensities of the peasantry rendered an escort absolutely
necessary, and ours consisted of thirty Affghans belonging to one of
Shah Soojah's regiments, under the command of Captain Hopkins. As
Government took this opportunity of sending a lac[*] of rupees for the

use of the native troop of Horse-Artillery stationed at Bamee[=a]n, our
military force was much increased by the treasure-guard of eighty
Sipahis and some remount horses; so that altogether we considered our
appearance quite imposing enough to secure us from any insult from
the predatory tribes through whose haunts we proposed travelling. Our
first day's march was merely to make a fair start, for we encamped two
miles north-west of the city in a grove of mulberry-trees, and the wind,
as usual in summer, blowing strong in the day-time, laid the produce at
our feet; so that by merely stretching out our hands, we picked up the
fruit in abundance; for although the sun was powerful, we preferred the
open air under the deep foliage to the closeness of a tent. During the
early part of the night an alarm was raised throughout our small camp,
and as we knew the vicinity of Cabul to be infested with the most
persevering thieves, we naturally enough attributed the disturbance to
their unwelcome visit, but it turned out to be only one of the remount
horses, which having broken away from his picket was scampering
furiously round our tents, knocking over the chairs, tables, and boxes
which had been placed in readiness for packing outside the tent door.
The neighing of the other horses, and their struggles to get loose and
have a fight with their more fortunate companion, added to the braying
of donkeys, barking of dogs, and groaning of the camels, gave me the
notion of a menagerie in a state of insurrection. The affair looked
serious when the animal began to caper amongst Sturt's instruments,
but luckily we secured him before any damage was done, though for
some time theodolites, sextants, artificial horizons, telescopes, and
compasses were in imminent danger. The worst of an occurrence of this
kind is, that your servants once disturbed never think of returning to
rest when quiet is restored, but sit up for the remainder of the night,
chatting over the event with such warmth and animation, as effectually
to keep their master awake as well as each other. We started next
morning at four, and marched about six miles and a half, the distances
being always measured with a perambulator, the superintending of
which gave Sturt considerable trouble, as it was necessary to have an
eye perpetually on the men who guided it, lest they should have
recourse to the usual practice of carrying the machine, whenever the
nature of the ground made that mode of transportation more convenient
than wheeling. This, together with taking bearings, and the other details

of surveying, gave my companion plenty of occupation, not only during
the march, but for the rest of the day when halted.
We were now encamped close to a village called Kulla Kazee, a place
of no very good repute as regarding honesty; indeed, we were well
aware of the predatory propensities of our neighbours; but we seemed
destined to experience more annoyance from the great apprehension of
being attacked which existed amongst our followers, than from any
well-founded anticipation of it; their fears were not totally groundless,
as it must be confessed that to a needy and disorganized population the
bait of a lac of rupees was very tempting.
[*Note: lac, lakh (-k), n. (Anglo-Ind.). A hundred thousand (usu._ of
rupees)_.]
We had chosen a picturesque little garden for our resting place, the
treasure and