‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎60r] (124/722)

latter ran^e drain into the Mashkid or Mashkel Zirreh. How far
this area extends to the east I cannot say, but probably 2 or 3 degrees of
longitude. It is said to receive the eastern drainage of Kohi Malik Dokand.”
In former years all this country, from Sihkuha to the south as far as
Nawar, was cultivated from a canal from the Helmand, which latter has
however for years ceased to run, as it got silted up at its source.
When the Helmand lagoon (Sistan lake, I believe it is called) to the
north of Koh-i-Khvvaja overflows, all this country is under water, i.g., from
some 10 miles south of Nawar to some 20 miles north (local information).
Hak is said to be the extreme eastern point of the desert, liable to in
undation by the overflow of the Helmand hamun ; the line is shewn on my
map.
It is a remarkable fact that wherever tamarisk jungle exists on this
desert (as here, at Nawar, at Lakri, etc.) good perennial water is obtainable
from 2 to 6 feet from the surface, and during the hot weather extemporised
wells are dug, as wanted, by those grazing their flocks. The latter, now
that spring has commenced, are to be met with in thousands proceeding to
the hills to the south of the desert. During the cold weather the large
tanks which formerly formed the ditches surrounding the now deserted, but
large walled villages of Kundar and Hauzdar, are always full of rain-water
(as a very large drainage area of impermeable hard clay soil drains into these
tanks), and kafilas halt at these places (Hauzdar, 14- miles this side of War-
mal and 22 miles this side of Sihkuha ; Kundar, 5 miles further to this side)
in preference to digging wells elsewhere. Thus, by this route, water, good
and in plenty, exists during the entire year from Sihkuha to Jalk. There is
also unlimited grazing for camels and sheep on this desert, in addition to ta
marisks (gaz), and nagaz or tngaz or kagaz (a tree somewhat like the tama
risk) ; an unlimited amount of sajji also exists; the latter at this season is a
small dark shrub and is met with in quantity in the Punjab, especially in
salt and saltpetre soil. It is here called shorak, and has a small grain or seed,
and my horses eat it and have thriven thereon. At first they would not
touch it, but hunger no doubt lent inducement to its flavour.
It is well known in the Punjab, and Government take revenue from its
collection, as it there fetches a good price, so Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Khan informs me.
The only other available crossing of the Shelag, to the south-east of
where Jennings crossed it, is at Shah Gudar, some 30 to 4*0 miles to the south
east, visited by MacGregor; latter is on the direct route from Bandar
Kamal Khan on the Helmand to the south; this route joins Jennings' route
from Ladis to Sihkuha, at Chamagh or Dozab via either the Rabat Nala or
the Lar Nala; or at or near Mauzilaf via the Piran Kotal.
A curious range of rolling sand waves runs over the Shelag desert from
north-west to south east. They were crossed diagonally at the 62nd mile
on the road from Sihkuha to Bampur, again between Nawar and Lar Nalu
and lastly 13 miles south of Lar Nalu. Regarding them Jennings says:—
“On the 15th March early I left the old route at the former Shelag
crossing, i.e., some 55 miles from Sihkuha, and struck right across the
desert, keeping south inclined to east slightly. “ 1 had with me Daffadar
Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Khan, mounted on a Persian horse—a capital animal—four
Baluchis, one mounted on my other horse; also a rare good worker,
another on his own horse, the remaining two and myself each on one of
my best riding camels. All six animals were in prime condition and
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