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192 of the traveller to itself. This is called the city of Zahak-i- Maran. A little further the valley widens and the city of caves, more then 2,000 in number, appears. This is the historic city of Bamian, now in ruins, lying at the foot of a hill, 8,400 feet above sea-level. The Valley of Bamian, deep sunk in the great plateau, is between 8,000 and 9,000 feet above the sea, and the passes lead- ing out of it are over 10,000 feet. To the south is the magificent snow-capped array of Koh-i-Baba, the culminating group of the central water-parting of Afghanistan, running to 16,000 and 17,000 feet. Rocky and toothbreaking, as may be the passes of these northern hills, they are all practicable at certain times and seasons, but for months they are closed by the deep snow of winter storms, and the fierce terror of a blizzard. The deep valleys traversing the storm-ridden plateau are often exceedingly beauti- ful, and form a strange contrast to the dull and barren rocky ridges that appear on all sides. It is the mystery of its unrecorded history and the local evidences of the departed glory of Buddhism, which render Bamian the most interesting valley of Afghanistan. Bamian, though today completely in ruins, speaks eloquently of its one- time grandeur. Each year has seen some striking revelation of its past history or some beautiful addition to the magnificent col- lection in the Museum of Kabul. Much still remains to be ex- cavated to throw more light on the deeper secrets of its past his- tory. Massive ruins still look down from the bordering cliffs, and for six or seven miles these cliffs are prierced by an infinity of cave dwellings. Little is left of the ancient city, except its acropolis (known as Shahr-i-Ghulghula), which crowns an