A History of Agriculture in India v2.c77.3

v2.c77.3

‘Melons and grapes have become very plentiful and excellent; and water-melons, peaches, almonds, pistachios, pomegranates, etc., are everywhere to be found. Ever since the conquest of Kabul, Qandahar, and Kashmir, loads of fruit are imported; throughout the whole year the stores of the dealers are full, and the bazars well supplied. Musk-melons come in season, in Hindustan, in the months of February-March, and are plenty in March-April. They are delicious, tender, opening, sweet-smelling, especially the kinds called *nashpati*, *babashaykhi*, *alisheri*, *alcha*, *barg-i nay*, *dud-i chiragh*, etc. They continue in season for two months longer. In the beginning of August, they come from Kashmir, and before they are out of season plenty are brought from Kabul; during the month of November they are imported by the caravans from Badakhshan, and continue to be had during December. When they are in season in Zabulistan, good ones also are obtainable in the Punjab; and in Bhakkar and its vicinity they are plentiful in season, except during the forty cold days of winter. Various kinds of grapes are here to be had from May to July, whilst the markets are stocked with Kashmir grapes during August. Eight *sers* of grapes sell in Kashmir for one *dam*, and the cost of the transport is two rupees per *man*. The Kashmiris bring them on their backs in conical baskets. From September till *Urdibihist* grapes come from Kabul together with cherries, which his Majesty calls *shahalu*, seedless pomegranates, apples, pears, quinces, peaches, apricots, *girdalus*, and *aluchas*, etc., many of which fruits grow also in Hindustan. From Samarqand even they bring melons, pears and apples.