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until it reaches Kala-i-Jadid (the New Fort), facing New
Chaman, a terminus of the North-Western Railway. Here
passports and luggage are examined.
Recently a new road was completed between Kandahar
and Kala-i-Jadid. This road is broad and well-laid out, and
the distance can now be easily covered within two hours by car.
(7) Kandahar to Herat (distance 407 miles): Herat the
western most province of Afghanistan, is reached from Kandahar
by way of Grishk, Farah and Sabzawar (or Sheen Dand). The
road for the most part runs over a level but sandy plain; water
is generally scarce.
(1) Kandahar to Grishk (75 miles): The road is generally
level. Grishk lies at the distance of a mile on the right bank of
the Helmund. The Helmund or Etamandros of the classical
writers is the largest inland river of Afganistan. Numerous
ruined cities and forts are to be a seen all along the banks of the
river, Bust and Lashkargah being the most important of these.
Six miles from Kandahar the river Arghandab is crossed. Mid-
way between Grishk and Kandahar, a few miles north of the
present road, lies the historic plain of Maiwand. There are some
charming gardens and orchards along the banks of the Helmund.
Villages are numerous and every one is a thriving centre. The
pasturage, too, is rich and abundant, and the agricultural
capacity of the Zamindawar lands (70 miles north of Grishk
along the Helmund) is well-known.
The Helmund, like most of the rivers of Afghanistan, has
a seasonal flow. During early spring it rises in flood with the
melting of the snow, and often attains a breadth of more than
a mile. Recently the Afghan Government, with a view to
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.
