1 204 . SINDE.
2 some degree deserted a considerable portion of the south-
3 eastern part, the present delta proper does not probably contain
4 more than two thousand five hundred square miles. Unlike the
5 densely wooded delta of the Ganges, it is nearly destitute of
6 timber, resembling in this respect that of the Nile. It is almost
7 level, of alluvial soil, apparently brought down by the Indus, and
8 consisting of vegetable mould, clay, and sand, which becomes
9 1 Carles, 6. hard soon after being deposited,’ even in the channels of the
10 river. There are, however, even within the limits of the delta
11 proper, and eastward of the Buggaur or western branch of the
12 nee ia Indus, some rocky hills,? known by the name of the Muxaut
13 nedy, .76,98; Hints (which see). Near the Pittee,2 or western mouth of the
14 chap peg river, is a dangerous rock, the only point in the delta south of
15 3 Burnes, ili. 16; the range just described which is not alluvial.
16 Wood, Osus, 12 Along the sea-coast, and for several miles inland, the delta
17 is one of the most miserable countries in the world. The
18 tide overflows the ground, and, on receding, leaves a dreary
19 swamp, covered, wherever the water is brackish, with stunted
20 mangrove trees, yet affording pasture for numerous herds of
21 buffaloes, but in most places destitute of fresh water, which
22 4 Burnes, tii, 250, toust be brought from a distance.4 The inundation here,
23 § Lord, Med. during the summer months, is very extensive,> and, in conse-
24 Mem. of the Plain ‘ats
25 of the Indus, 66. quence of the shifting nature of the channel, vessels are fre-
26 ‘ ie pire quently left aground. Burnes® estimates that one-eighth of ©
27 Indus, 3. the delta is occupied by streams or canals. Where water cannot
28 be obtained at such a level as to admit of being conducted
29 through the fields by means of channels, it is raised by the Per-
30 sian wheel. The soil, where not well watered, becomes a clay
31 7Carless,11; nearly as hard as if it were baked, producing tamarisks,’ mimosa;
32 Bue aIE bo, euphorbia, furze, cactuses, and various saline plants. In the dry
33 ® Kennedy, i. 95, time of the year, this clay is raised in clouds of dust,® so dense
34 as to threaten suffocation. Under the influence of water, how-
35 ever, the soil is very productive, especially of a gigantic grass,
36 attaining the height of twelve or eighteen feet, and so thick that
37 it is difficult to force a passage through it. Where the alluvial
38 soil of the delta has been long deposited, it produces lofty
39 acacias, attaining a girth of seven or eight feet. On the fall of
40 the waters of the Indus, numerous dunds, or extensive pieces of
41 water, are left, and swarm with the finest fish, which, with those