on the south to the main ridge on the north-each range also decreasing in height as it runs eastward. Between these ranges, and running parallel to them, are extensive level plains, at first very little higher than the plateau of Eastern Turkistan, but also successively rising higher and higher towards the north, while at the same time they slope down towards the east; thus, the Tughamati plain, about 45 miles north of Kashghar, is higher by 2000 feet; while the Jai Tupa plain, about the same distance east of the Tughamati plain (of which in all probability it is the continuation) is only about 1000 feet higher than Kashghar. These large plains have generally much grass and fuel, though but little water. At one of our camps, which was under snow, the Kirghiz who were encamped there told me that it was only in mid-winter they could keep their flocks at that particular place, as the snow then lying on the ground served as a substitute for water, which was not obtainable at any other season of the year."

At the festival of the "Kurban" (the sacrifice) on the 28th of January, the Atalik publicly announced the Sultan's protectorate of Kashghar, and assumed the title of "Amír," conferred on him by that sovereign. The Sultan's name was ordered to be used for the future in the "Khutba" or prayer for the reigning sovereign at all the mosques, and coin was struck bearing the name of "Abdul Aziz Khan," and purporting to be issued from the mint of "the protected State of Kashghar." Gold tillas (value about eleven shillings) of the new coinage were distributed in largesse that day by the Amír to his troops and

attendants.

The Yangi-Shuhr or fort residence of the Amír at Kashghar encloses quite a small town, besides accommodating a very

large guard and a numerous body of attendants. The daily traffic between it and the city, five miles off, is considerable. Covered carts passed to and fro continually carrying passengers, and there was a regular "stand" of these vehicles near the gate. Some of them were "reserved" for women, who appeared to go about and visit a great deal. The daily traffic and passing of people was an interesting scene, and I used to walk on the roof of the Elchi-khana, and take advantage of the opportunity to sketch whatever appeared remarkable.

CHAPTER VII.

THE ARMY-ARTILLERY-JEMADAR DADKHWAH - INFANTRY-TAIFURCHIS - CHINESE CORPS AT DRILL-ARMY SYSTEM-KASIIGHARIS-FOOD SUPPLY-TRANSPORTANNUAL VISIT OF GOVERNORS TO THE CAPITAL-KHOTEN REVENUE-JADECHINA TEA TRADE-POLITICAL SYSTEM-SEVERITY OF THE LAWS-SHEEP AND CATTLE STEALING - THE AMIR'S PERSONAL GOVERNMENT - MISSION LEAVES KASHGHAR-ARRIVES AT YANGI HISSAR-YAKUB, THE POLISII DESERTER.

We had opportunities during our stay at Kashghar of seeing the "regular forces" there, which doubtlessly well represented the character and condition of the Amír's army distributed throughout his territory, to Khoten on the south and Turfan on the east. The army is divided into artillery, Taifurchis, and infantry. There is no cavalry in our acceptation of the term; a great proportion of the infantry is mounted, but they dismount to use their arms, and the use of the sword on horseback is not understood or ever practised. On one occasion, during our stay at the capital, a display of "tent-pegging" and turnip slicing, with spear and sabre, by the expert troopers of our guide corps escort showed the Andijanis and Kashgaris how far behind their warlike neighbours they are in that respect.

Artillery is little understood by the Uzbegs, though they have an immense respect for that arm. Hindustanis and Affghans are much sought after as artillerymen, some of those now serving having been in our Indian army, or that of the Maharajah of Kashmir, and made their way to Kashghar as a place that offered many advantages to adventurous spirits, and

N

perhaps, in some instances, a refuge from that steadily pursuing punishment which year after year overtakes the notorious murderers of 1857. The chief artillery officer is Nubbi Buksh, a native of Sealkote in the Punjab and a bookbinder by trade, who was trained as a gunner in the Sikh Durbar force under Sher Sing and Tej Sing. He was at Peshawur with Captain Bowie and the other British officers when the Punjab campaign of 1848-49 took place, and left India shortly afterwards to seek his fortune in Central Asia. He made his way through Kashmir and Ladak to the Yarkand territory, entering it by the Kilian pass, where he was detained for three months by the Chinese, then holding Eastern Turkistan. Eventually he passed on to Khokand, and took service with the chief of that khanate.

He served there for about ten years, and was present in the action with the Russians when his master, Alum Kul, the regent, was mortally wounded. While in Khokand he became acquainted with Muhammad Yakub Khan, the present ruler of Kashghar; and after the fall of Tashkend in 1865, he made his way over the Terek pass with 4000 men and joined the Atalik's standard. Nubbi Buksh is held in high esteem by the Amír as a successful commander who has served him faithfully and well. He is known as the "Jemadar Dadkhwah," and has the reputation of being kind to his countrymen, and assisting them when in need. He is the "Affghan of gigantic stature" noticed by the Russian officers composing the mission sent in 1872 to conclude the existing treaty between Russia and Kashghar. The "Jemadar Dadkhwah's" special command consists of a regiment of comparatively well-armed infantry, with field guns dragged by horses harnessed unicorn-fashion, placed between the companies. He drilled all together before us; the movements were made very slowly, and tolerably precisely on the pattern of thirty years ago then followed in the Sikh army. His words of com

mand were apparently intended for English, and every movement was accompanied by vigorous marching bugle music. Two other similar corps are drilled professedly after the Russian and Turkish systems. Nubbi Buksh showed us some fair shell-practice with a 12-pounder howitzer and a 10-inch