Seistan and Nushki, the good fortune which had attended his earlier efforts being carried a stage further in 1900, when the interests of the Khan of Kelat in the Nushki district were bought out at a perpetual quit-rent of 9000 rupees per annum. Success has been pronounced; and both the character and complexion of this barren region have been transformed. No more difficult country could have been found for development. In the days before the road was started the region was the home of roving parties of Baluchi and Afghan ruffians who periodically sallied forth to plunder passing caravans. Further, heat, the absence of water and the dangers of the journey to India over long desert stretches, militated against its adoption. Only at rare intervals did a caravan attempt the venture. These defects are now, in the main, surmounted, and an excellent trade route is established between Nushki and Nasratabad, the marches being divided into twenty-one stages. Between Nushki and Robat a _kutcha_ road, varying in breadth between 10 feet and 20 feet, is laid out. Dâk bungalows have also been established at regularly appointed stations and[26] telegraphic communication exists. Around the several bungalows there are now tiny settlements where itinerant traders exist on the proceeds of their business with the caravans. Marauding bands have ceased to worry, as their leaders have been made responsible for the safe custody of travellers between the different stages. At each post there is a small levy-guard and quarters for the camel-dâk, which carries the mail between India and Seistan in nine and a half days. Although it is impossible to avoid the heat, the water difficulty is no longer insuperable. Wells have been sunk and, since the abolition of all tolls and duties on the route--which wise precaution was made an essential preliminary to the inauguration of the service--an increasing stream of camels passes to and fro, between India and Khorassan. _Value of Imports and Exports by the Nushki-Seistan route for the years 1896-1905._ _Year._ _Rupees._ March 1, 1896, to March 1, 1897 1½ lakhs. ” 1897 ” 1898 5 ” ” 1898 ” 1899 7 ” ” 1899 ” 1900 12 ” ” 1900 ” 1901 15 ” ” 1901 ” 1902 20 ” ” 1902 ” 1903 18 ” ” 1903 ” 1904 18 ” ” 1904 ” 1905 24 ” _List of Marches between Nushki rail head and Nasratabad._