The wind, during the autumn in the evening and in the early morning, blows in warm unrefreshing gusts, heated by passing over the many bare rocky ranges which serve simply to reflect the sun. During these months, part of September, October and November, the sun is still powerful. Occasional dust-storms occur, and there is cloudy weather towards the close of the season. The dews are heavy; little rain falls and high north-easterly and north-westerly winds prevail at the close of the season. AUTUMN TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR. _Maximum._ 5 A.M. 1 P.M. 8 P.M. Open air 65 Sun 148, shade 82 Open air 85 _Medium._ 5 A.M. 1 P.M. 8 P.M. Open air 50.57 Sun 123.50, shade 70.44 Open air 69.15 _Minimum._ 5 A.M. 1 P.M. 8 P.M. Open air 32 Sun 70, shade 58 Open air 51 Of diseases that may be attributed to the Kandahar climate, the most prominent are intermittent and remittent fevers, whilst continued fevers and small-pox, although met with only in a sporadic form, are epidemic in certain seasons. The first-named maladies are prevalent throughout the year; although more active in the spring and autumn when they are remarkable for the frequency of the tertian form. Ophthalmic complaints are numerous, although not altogether attributable to the climate. Rheumatism, neuralgic affections, scrofula, syphilis and certain cerebral disturbances are common. [Illustration: CARRYING COTTON TO MARKET.] [15] “Northern Afghanistan.” Major C. E. Yate. [16] See pages 205, 206. [17] 1 camel load = 8 maunds and 16 sers. [18] Persons visiting British territory for trade purposes, etc., are required to pay Rs. 2-8 as passport tax per head, provided they furnish personal security to return within 6 months. [19] Persons visiting British territory for trade purposes, etc., are required to pay Rs. 4-2-8 as passport tax per head, provided they furnish personal security to return within 1 year. CHAPTER IX SEISTAN AND THE McMAHON MISSION