'Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde; accompanied by a geographical and historical account of those countries, with a map.' [‎322] (364/476)

322
HISTORY OF BELOOCHISTAN.
this is evident to the most common observer, unless on the sea-
coast of the two latter, where it is sandy and arid. The moun
tains of all these are chiefly composed of black or grey rock
of a very hard nature, and the earth of the plains and vales,
amongst them, is mixed with such a profusion ot pebbles and
small stones, that there is often not the slightest appearance of
mould; yet, in spite of this disadvantage, some of them produce
plentiful crops of wheat and barley ; and in others, where they
are not tilled, grass grows luxuriantly and to a great height.
The soil of the Kohistan is very diversified. In the vallies, it is
usually of a black loamy description, and even some of its loftiest
mountains have fine earth to their very summits ; whilst others are
nothing else than a mass of black, rock, destitute of verdure. Of
Kutch Gundava, the soil is rich and loamy ; and so exceedingly pro
ductive, that it is said, were it all properly cultivated, the crops
would be more than sufficient for the consumption of the whole of
Beloochistan: even as it is, they export great quantities of grain,
beside cotton, indigo, and oil. The Bade Sumoom, of which I have
made very particular mention in another place *, blows in Kutch
Gundava during the summer months ; and many people lose their
lives by it.
Gold, silver, lead, iron, copper, tin, antimony, brimstone, alum,
sal-ammoniac, and many kinds of mineral salts, and saltpetre, are
found in various parts of Beloochistan. The precious metals have
only been discovered, in working for iron and lead, at mines near
the town of Nal, about one hundred and fifty miles south-south-west
of Kelat. The different other minerals, I have enumerated, are
very plentiful. Rock salt is very common to the westward, and
saltpetre is likewise dug up in a native state : at Kelat they make the
latter ingredient from the soil, and esteem it much the strongest.
* Vide Narrative of the 2d of April. Part 1.