I have referred to the prevalence of Russian coin and wares in Kabul as evidence of the growing connexion between Russia and Afghanistan.

I am unable to find proof that the Czar's coin was introduced in any other way than by the usual channels of trade.
It is quite possible that the bulk of it, if not the whole, came in gradually by this means, the accumulation of foreign gold in particular being considerable in this country, where little gold is coined.

Nevertheless, it seems to me a curious fact that the amount of Russian money in circulation should be so large.

No less than 13,000 gold pieces were found among the Amir's treasure alone; similar coins are exceedingly common in the city bazaar; and great numbers of them are known to be in possession of the Sirdars.

Of course English goods of all kinds are plentiful here--that is inevitable, particularly with a considerable body of Hindu merchants settled in the city, but Russian goods also abound.