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INTRODUCTION
Afghanistan is a country of contrasts. More than half of it is a high plateau covered with lofty mountains, while the other half consists of level sandy tracts. The valleys, surrounded by hills, are extremely beautiful and appear like green emeralds set in the lap of mountains. Gushing streams, with clear blue water, add to their charms. On the other hand, the deserts are mostly desolate, where the very wind is often suffocating and even poisonous.
The climate of Afghanistan is extreme; it is cold and wet in winter, hot and dry in summer. Similar is the case with night and day, shade and sunshine; the difference of temperature may even go to forty degrees Fahrenheit. The temperament of the people could be no exception to this rule. Like the climate of his country, an Afghan knows no happy mean. He is either a loving friend or a deadly enemy. He will gladly lay down his life for the sake of his friend, or avenge his grievances though it may take him years to do. Outwardly he may appear uncouth and rough, but he conceals in his bosom a true and sincere heart—true both in love and war.
Roughly two thirds of characters agree with a modern printed edition of the same text. Much of the disagreement is editorial, not misreading. Treat the transcription as a finding aid and read the page image before quoting. How this was measured.