HERAT AND KANDAHAR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 182, 31 August 1878, Page 4

HERAT AND KANDAHAR.

The attention of Europo bein<* directed to these two important Btrategical cities of Afghanistan, which we observe the British Government is advised to annex under certain circumetancea, a brief description of them will be acceptable to our readers : — Herat, a city of Afghanistan, the capital of an independent slate, situated in a plain near the Hary river, 360 miles west from Cabul. It is well fortified, having a strong citadel, and being surrounded by a wet ditch, mound, and bastioned wall. It contains a number of caravanserais, public baths, reservoirs, and numerous mosques. To the north of the city are the ruins of a magnificent religious edifice, an immense mound raised by one of its many rulers -— Nadir Shah. The khan's residence is not a handsome building and the interior of the town is exceedingly dirty, nlthough the vicinity is beautiful and the ground irrigated by numerous canals. Herat is tho entrepot of the commerce carried on between Cabul Bokhara, Hindostan and Persia, and is a grand certral mart v for' the products of India, China, Tartary, Afghanistan, and Persia! Manufactures: Carpets, leather, caps, cloaks, shoes, &c. Population i About 40,000, of various nations. The position of Herat is one of the greatest possible importance, and has it been well described as the gate of India; for within the limits of the Heratee country all the great roads leading to India converge. By the Herat route alone could a formidable and well-equippeJ army inarch upon the Indian frontier from the north-west regions. In 1855 the Persians again made an attempt to get possession of Herat ; but, after a short war with England, desisted* l

Ksndahar ia a fortified city of Afghanistan, and lis ono of the capitals of ihst native kingdom. It slaoda on a fertile plain 200 miles south-west of Cabul, and is about 3500 feet nbove the 1 level of the sea. The population is about 60,000 to 80,000. It is a point of considerable importance, but of less value than Herat.