NOTICE
REGARDING
THE MAP OF CENTRAL ASIA.
The results of my survey of the countries between India and the Caspian Sea are exhibited on the face of the map: the data on which these results rest require to be stated, that others may be enabled to judge of the authenticity of the document.
The instruments used were, a sextant, of nine inches radius, by Gilbert, and the patent surveying compass of Schmalcalder, divided into 360 degrees. With the sextant the parallels of latitude were determined, when practicable, either by a meridian altitude of the sun, or the elevation of the pole star; with the compass the bearings or angles of the country were observed. The time of travelling was noted on the spot, from a valuable chronometer watch by Arnold.
The rate of marching, after various trials by astronomical observation, was found to be as follows:—
1st. On horseback, over a level country, such as the Punjab, or regions eastward of the Caspian, without a caravan, 30 furlongs, or 3¾ miles per hour.
2d. On horseback, over a broken or mountainous country, such as lies between the Indus and Cabool, and accompanied by mules lightly laden, 3 miles per hour.
3d. On camels, over a flat country, such as Toorkistan, about 3800 yards, or 2 miles 300 yards per hour; protracting in every instance the great inflexions of the road, and correcting them by peaks or notable land-marks in front or rear.
The rate of a camel’s march requires some further notice, since I took much pains to ascertain it, and am not without a hope that it may prove useful to others. Twenty-two camels in “kittar,” or string, that is, following and tied to each other, cover a space of 115 paces of 2½ feet, or 94 yards. They march over this space in 90 seconds of time; that is to say, they travel at the rate of 76⅔ paces per minute, or 3833 yards per hour, thus:—
| 76⅔ | paces a minute. |
| 60 | minutes. |
| —— | |
| 4560 | |
| 40 | |
| —— | |
| 4600 | paces. |
| 2½ | feet. |
| ——— | |
| 3)11,500 | feet. |
| ——— | |
| 3833 | yards. |
| ——— |