it takes a sudden turn to the north-west and runs for 45 miles in that direction; finally it divides into the three branches, Rod-i-Seistan, Rod-i-Purian, and the Nad Ali. Since 1895 the Rod-i-Purian has been the main channel, displacing the Nad Ali course. The river, even in the dry season, is never without a plentiful supply of water. [Illustration: CROSSING THE HELMUND RIVER] Its volume is: 2,000 cubic feet per second at low water. 50,000-60,000 ” ” ” ordinary flood. 600,000-700,000 ” ” ” abnormal flood. The fords are: Gardan Diwar (ford) 40 miles from source. Ghaoch Khol (bridge) 75 ” Diwal Khol 100 ” Chakmakchak 180 ” Garmab 390 ” Three miles above Girishk (ford) 450 ” Girishk (ford and ferry) 450 ” Shamalan (ford) 500 ” Karnashin 550 ” Kal-i-Sabz (ford) 570 ” Deshu (ford) 590 ” Pul-alak (ford) 650 ” Traku (ferry) 680 ” Deshtak (ferry) 740 ” The fort of Girishk stands on the right bank of the Helmund about 1½ miles from the stream, upon the high road between Kandahar and Herat. Its position seems to have been determined by the neighbourhood of the fords across the Helmund; also by the vicinity of the ferry, which, when the river is not fordable, is usually established at a narrow part of the stream below the fort. From the far side of the river Girishk appears to have more strength and to be in better order than inspection proves to be the case. Upon two sides and part of the third there is a ditch, which contains water but is formidable neither in width nor in depth. On the north and north-eastern aspects, where the wall is situated upon the high bank of the river, it is not continued.