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peasantry. Increased taxation necessitated by the European tour and other expensive schemes meant increased hardship for this class, which constitutes the major part of the population and which gained nothing by the enhanced revenues. In consequence, the peasants were in a sad plight. Straved, over worked, ill-clothed, they became full of hatred towards their oppressors till only a spark was needed to cause an explosion. The condition of the army was worse still. They were ill-kept and ill-fed. Under the laws of conscription every Afghan was required to serve the army for two years. But in practice the rule applied to the poor only ; the rich could easily bribe the officials and stay at home. The sanitary arrangements of the cantonments were very bad. The soldiers were paid only Rs. 4 a month, with which to maintain themselves, and in most cases their families as well. Some of these wretched people were obliged to get leave from their officers and to engage in some private work with which to eke out their meagre allowance. Others deserted the army but since their salaries continued to be drawn 11