nder British
administration, it does not form a part of any British district. The
people are Pathans of various clans, the predominant element being the
Turis, who are Shias by religion and probably of Turkish origin. It was
at their request that the valley was annexed in 1892. The political
agent has his headquarters at Parachinar in Upper Kurram, which is
divided from Lower Kurram by a spur of the Khost hills, through which
the river has cut a passage. Such part of the Indian penal law as is
suitable has been introduced, and civil rights are governed by the
customary law of the Turis. A complete record of rights in land and
water has been framed, and the land revenue demand is 88,000 rupees
(L5889). Upper Kurram is a wide and fertile valley set in a frame of
pine-clad hills. It is not fully cultivated, but has great
possibilities, especially in the matter of fruit growing. The snowfall
is heavy in winter, but the summer climate is excellent. Lower Kurram is
a poor and narrow glen unpleasantly hot and cold according to the season
of the year. Parachinar is connected with the railhead at Thal by a
good _tonga_ road.

~Waziristan.~--The country of the Darwesh Khel and Mahsud Wazirs extends
from the Kurram valley to the Gomal river. It is divided into the North
Waziristan (2300 square miles) and the South Waziristan (2700 square
miles) Agencies. North Waziristan consists of four valleys and some
barren plateaux. The principal valley is that of Daur (700 square miles)
drained by the Tochi. In 1894 the Dauris sought refuge from Darwesh Khel
inroads by asking for British administration. In the eyes of the Darwesh
Khel they are a race of clodhoppers. Their sole virtue consists in
patient spade industry in the stiff rich soil of their valley, their
vices are gross, and their fanaticism is extreme. The political agent's
headquarters are at Miram Shah. South Waziristan is the home of the
troublesome Mahsuds, who can muster 11,000 fighting men. But parts of
the country, e.g. the Wana plain, are held by the Darwesh Khel. Much of
South Waziristan consists of bare hills and valleys and stony plains
scored with torrents, which are dry most of the year. The streams are
salt. Part of the hinterland is however a more inviting tract with
grassy uplands and hills clad with oak, pine, and _deodar_. Wana, where
the political agent has his headquarters, was occupied on the invitation
of the Darwesh Khel in 1894.

~Sheranis.~--The Sherani c