Barakzai 940 Nurzai 600 Alikozai 650 Populzai 600 Makuzai 100 Bar Durani 150 Saddozai 100 Kalezai 350 Kharoti 200 Ghilzai 100 Bamezai 400 Sarkani 200 Ismailzai 100 Pathans 200 Turks 50 Baburs and Babis 200 Achakzai 150 Ishakzai 600 Kakuri 550 Alizai 200 Khagwani 150 Bisakzai 100 Madozai 150 Parsiwan 1240 Pirian 100 Doalat Shahi 50 Arabs 50 Aakyakhel 50 Kashmiri 100 Hindus 300 ---- Total 8730 In addition to these a large number of households is unreturned, the official approximate estimate showing no less than 20,000 houses, with a combined population of 50,000 souls. The numerical strength of the larger Afghan cities has always fluctuated, the element of movement, as the population increases and diminishes, depending upon whether the local government were protective or oppressive. When Kandahar was visited by Elphinstone, he calculated its population at 100,000. Hough reported it at 80,000; Masson from 25,000 to 30,000, Ferrier 30,000, Court 25,000 and Bellew 15,500. Holdich, writing in 1880, put the strength of the Duranis, Ghilzais, Parsiwans and Kakuris alone at 30,000. In recent years Kandahar has prospered. As there has been but little to disturb the development of its trade and the general settlement of the immediate vicinity, it is possible that it may have reached the present high figure. [Illustration: THE WALLS OF KANDAHAR] As in most Asiatic cities the different trades occupy special parts of the Kandahar bazaars. In all there are 3700 shops in addition to the stalls of the wayside pedlars. These, their goods spread upon the ground or displayed upon small tables, not infrequently act as agents of the more important merchants. In the city there are: Barbers 85 Silk merchants 201 Potters 135 Milk vendors 170 Butchers 231 General merchants 300