Clouds are of very rare occurrence, and then only partial.

The clouds, if resulting from the south-west monsoon, ought to be intercepted by the Paropamisus and Hindoo Koosh, and rain ought to fall along these and about Ghuznee at this time.  In the evening a cool wind sets in, indicating a fall of rain somewhere.

Rarity of dews in Khorassan:  as dews depend on a certain amount of moisture either in the soil or atmosphere, it follows that in a very dry climate no dews will occur.  The occurrence of the dews here at this period, is another proof that rain must have fallen somewhere (to the southward), to which the coolness of the weather is attributable.  Yesterday and to-day, the thermometer at 5 A.M. stood at 48 degrees, 49 degrees; at 8 P.M. 75 degrees, 72 degrees, the daily range in the mosque is from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.  Capt.  Thomson suggests that the dews observed here are either confined to, or much greater in the Chummuns, in which the water is very close to the surface, as indicated inter alia by the green turf.

The kinds of grapes are numerous; those earliest ripe are the black, and a small red kind called Roucha; which will be ripe in the latter end of this moon. Kismiss another sort, comes in July.  The Tahibee is the best kind produced here, and the dearest.

Tobacco is cultivated chiefly along the Arghandab; it is planted about this season, and gathered in two or three months, and requires to be watered ten or twelve times.

The barley is now fully ripe, and is generally cut and thrashed in some places.  Pears in gardens are now ripe.

Candahar valley is of great extent to the westward, or south-west and SSW.

The wasps, with large femora, I observe build their mud nests in houses.  The rarity of Lepidoptera, except perhaps some nocturnal moths, is curious; Coleoptera are more common, but inconspicuous.  Ants are abundant in the mud walls.  A small gnat with large noiseless wings, is very annoying, and the bite very painful and irritating.  Doves, and wild pigeons are tolerably common, as also crested larks, and swifts.  Abundance of lizards; a venomous snake of brown colour, having an abruptly attenuated tail.

Every thing that happens shows how credulous, and how unenquiring we are; and in all cases out of our particular sphere, how extremely apt most are to give excessive credit, where a moderate only is due.  It is a generous failing which it is difficult to condemn, particularly with regard to our travellers in this direction.  Instance Connolly, and certainly Gerard whose acquaintance with Burnes and its results demands attention.  It is singular that his name scarcely occurs in Burnes’ book, although his scientific knowledge and MSS. submitted to Government, entitle him to be considered an observant, and well-informed traveller.  Pottinger is another instance of what I have said above.