98
SARA TFAIV
by the Garr hills, a continuation of the Khwaja Amran ; on the north
by the Quetta-Pishin, Bolan Pass; and Sibi Districts; and on the
south by the Jhalawan country. The total area of the country is
4,339 square miles. It consists of a series of parallel mountain
ranges running north and south and enclosing valleys, sometimes
of considerable extent, which lie at an elevation of
Physical
aspects. from 5,000 to 6,500 feet above sea-level. Reckoning
.
from east to west, the principal mountain ranges
are the Nagau, Bhaur, and Zamuri hills, which border on Kachhi ; and
the Bangulzai hills, with the peaks of Moro and Dilband. Southward
of these lies the fine Harboi range, about q,ooo feet high. West-
ward again the Koh-i-maran (10,730 feet) forms another parallel ridge.
Next, the Zahri-ghat ridge commences from the Chiltan hill and skirts
the Mastung valley to the east, while two more minor ranges separate
it from the westernmost ridge, the Garr hills. Most of these moun-
tains are bleak, bare, and barren, but the Harboi and Koh-i-maran
contain juniper trees and some picturesque scenery. The drainage
of the country is carried off northward by the Shirinab and Sarawan
rivers. Except in flood time, each contains only a small supply
of water, disappearing and reappearing throughout its course. The
Shirinab rises to the south-east of Kalat. It is joined by the Mobi
and Gurgina streams, and eventually falls into the P15HIN LORA under
the name of the Shorarud or Shar-rod. The Sarawan river rises in
the Harboi hills and joins the Bolan near Bib! Nani.
The principal peaks of the country consist of massive limestone ;
and Cretaceous beds of dark, white, and variegated limestone, some-
times compact, sometimes shaly in character, occur. Sandstones,
clays, and conglomerates of Siwalik nature have also been found.
The botany of Sarawan resembles that of the Quetta-Pishin Dis-
trict. Orchards, containing mulberry, apricots, peaches, pears, apples,
almonds, and grapes, abound in the valleys. Poplars and willows
grow wherever there is water, and tamarisk is abundant in the river-
beds. In the spring many plants of a bulbous nature appear, includ-
ing tulips and irises. The hill-sides are covered with southernwood
(Artemisia) and many species of Astragali. Mountain sheep and Sind
ibex occur in small numbers. Foxes are trapped for their skins, and
hares afford coursing to local sportsmen.
From April to September the climate is dry, bright, bracing, and
healthy. The winter, especially round Kalat, which receives heavy
falls of snow, is severe. Except in the east, near Barari, the heat in
summer is nowhere intense. The rain- and snowfall generally occur
in winter, from January to March. The annual rainfall averages
about 71 inches, of which 6 inches are received in winter and r-I in
summer.
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