"أسفار في بلوشستان والسند؛ مع تقرير جغرافي وتاريخي لهذين البلدين، وخريطة." [‎١‎٨‎٠] (٤٧٦/٢٢٢)

18 q b asm an.
that heaps of pieces of, and even whole bricks, similar in shape and
quality to those I observed the vent into the well to be made of, had
been found in many places in the intermediate space. I inquired
who was likely to have been at such incredible expence and pains
as must have attended the construction of a conduit under ground,
for such a length of way, and that too in a country so diversified
with mountains, hills, and deep vales. He informed me that some
foolish people attributed it to Ueeves (sprites), or other supernatural
agency, but that there was likewise a tradition amongst the tribes,
that in former times a Guebre city had stood on or near the site of
the present village ol Rasman, and that the inhabitants had formed
the aqueduct for the enjoyment and benefit of the baths. " How-
" ever,'' added he, " all this is very doubtful, and must ever re-
" main so : we Belooches do not puzzle ourselves with such thoughts
« and researches; we are contented to have heard that our fore-
" fathers saw it in the same state that we now view it."
The mountain to which the Sirdar alluded, is here imaiiably
spoken of by the name of the Kohe Noushadir, or hill of sal-am
moniac, which drug is said to be a native production oi it, and found
in the fissures of the rocks. I had not an opportunity of seeing any
of this mineral, but Moorad Khan assured me that plenty of it, and
also an incrustation of brimstone was to be gathered; and had 1 re
mained with him a second day, he would willingly have sent a man
for a specimen of both. He told me that they were unacquainted
with the uses to which sal -ammoniac might be applied, but that the
sulphur, when pounded, was valued as the best and stiongest ingie-
dient of that sort for gunpowder.
My impatience to be again on the wing was so visible throughout
the whole forenoon, that the chief himself remarked it, and about
five p. rn. he brought the guide to avouch his readiness to attend me
the next morning. When I embraced Moorad Khan, and bade him
adieu at dusk, I felt real vexation that I had no means of making
him the smallest requital for his friendship and hospitality,^ both of
which I shall ever remember with gratitude and thanks. '1 he last