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Sand-Buried Ruins of Khotan : vol.1 |
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half-way to the Yartungaz stream, while low tamarisk scrub and
some Kumush supplied fuel.
Marching south-eastwards on the following day over gravel-
covered slopes and low sand dunes, we crossed a wide belt of tam-
arisks and reeds which was said to be reached at times by a small
stream known as the Suzije Darya. Three miles west of the
present course of the Yartungaz stream an older bed of it was
passed, completely dry. It was at once succeeded by high sand-
ridges, such as usually accompany these desert rivers, and I felt
heartily glad for the sake of our tired animals when at last in the
evening the glittering ice of the stream came in sight, which meant
for them rest and water.
On February 17th we followed the Yartungaz River, which at our
camping-place had a breadth of about 30 yards, down to the point
where it is absorbed by the sands. It was a march of some eighteen
miles, all through a belt of jungle which gradually widens out to a
breadth of three or fourmiles. Everywhere we saw the tracks of sheep,
but met no living creature until we emerged on the clearings which
have been made by a small colony in the fertile area marking the
furthest reach of the summer flood water. There is ample land and
probably also irrigation water available for several villages. But
only four families of agriculturists have established themselves here
during the time of Niaz Hakim Beg; and though they are sufficiently
well off to employ labourers, no more ground has been cleared than
twenty to thirty hands are able to cultivate. Even thus, it was a strange
feeling for me to ride once more past fields and irrigation channels.
Our excellent Darogha had marched ahead. So Abdul Karim,
the foremost 'Dehkan' of the little settlement, a fine-looking old
man, was ready to welcome us. His father had come from Faiza-
bad in Badakhshan on a pilgrimage to Imam Jafar Sadik, and on
settling down received a grant of land here. Abdul Karim was
evidently proud to air what little knowledge of Persian he retained
and to do the honours of this forlorn outpost in the desert.
For the last five or six years the Yartungaz stream has shown a
tendency to shift its final course westwards. Hence the present
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