Hence the preponderance of Ferns, is by no means explainable by their greatest simplicity of form, and consequent priority of formation.

CHAPTER XXII.

From Peshawur to Lahore.

October 14th.—­Peshawur.—­Cucurbitaceae.  The petals of cucurbita were observed in one instance united along two of the corollal sinuses to the staminal column, alternating with the smaller stamina; the processes were produced upwards into petaloid appendages.

17th.—­Proceeded to Nowshera.  As far as Pubbe the road extended chiefly through a cultivated country, thence as far as could be judged at night, over a plain country covered with coarse grass, and here and there (whenever a sufficiently gravelly surface occurred) among the thick of Bheir, which is here used for fences; Mudar, AErua, Nerioides and Adhatoda occurred; Furas a common tree.

18th.—­Reached Khairabad.  The same kind of country as about Nowshera, stony or sandy, with extensive tracts covered with Bheir, Mudar, and AErua as before, Mimosa common towards Geedur Gulli, and on it also Kureel, which appears for the first time as it was not seen about Jumrood.  On to-day’s march many grasses are apparent, the pale Saccharoid grass of Jugdulluck common, a species of Cynodon (given to me by Dr. Ritchie at Dhukk) very common, a Pommereullioid, a curious Schoenanthus, a Poa, all are coarse and cover a large tract towards Geedur Gulli:  Barleria spinosa appears.

Geedur Gulli is a ravine winding in and out in a curious manner among low hills at the north-west end of what is called the Afredi Spur.  Mimosa very common, Kureel, Dodonaea and Edgeworthia, neither very common, but Moarcurra and Euonymus are both rather common. Mudar common; some Andropogons, of which one is the same as that of the Khyber. Bheir very common, also a Mimosa like the common Babool, but flowers unscented.  Chokeys, or police stations are situated along the whole line of road to Peshawur.  Adhatoda common at the entrance to Geedur Gulli where the scenery is rather pretty; Adiantum common on banks near the water; the hills of Geedur Gulli are rather thickly sprinkled with wood.

The Cabul river is here a large stream, with a moderate confined bed between high banks on which Akora and Khairabad are situated.  The view of the Indus from Geedur Gulli presents a desolate look of sand, which extends over a large space visible through a break in the hills to the north.  The passage of the Indus through the Attock range seen from the same point is curious; but general remarks on scenery can be of no use, except when they are founded on an intimate acquaintance with the country.  The most natural course, i.e. one less impeded by mountains, would seem to be to the east instead of south.

[Diagram of Attock Range:  m491.jpg]