Lieutenant Wilcox's Survey of the North-east oj' Assam. 67 



man Phokun at that place. It is accessible from the south by 

 the banks of the Irrawaddy, but the river cannot be navigat- 

 ed so high. A range of snowy mountains divides it on the 

 north from the Lamas ; on the east from part of China. The 

 Khunoong Meeseemees, inhabitants of the range, trade with 

 both countries. They find large quantities of silver in the 

 north-east, and iron in the south-east parts of their mountains. 

 The Khunoongs manufacture the (" Khamtee") das, held 

 here in high estimation. 



Some very remarkable sculpture is spoken of as existing on 

 the banks of the Irrawaddy, partly immersed in the water. 

 It consists of a cow and calf, and a canoe, too-well executed 

 to be attributed even to the Chinese, who are considered gre^t 

 artists. ,1 



Tradition says the Khamtees, as well as the ancient con- 

 querors of Assam, are from that part of Sham, situated east, 

 or south-east of Moguon. /f 



I have little information to throw light on the nature of the 

 country north-east beyond the snowy ranges, but conjecture 

 that the distance to the Lama country is rather less in that 

 direction than by the route of the Burumpooter. I under- 

 stand that Meeseemees, situated on the heads of the Deebong, 

 traffic with that country, as well as other tribes of their nu- 

 merous and scattered race on the left bank of the Deehong. 



With regard to the source of this great branch of the Lohit, 

 I have lately received information from the Bor Abors, con- 

 fidently given, that it is from the west, and that a lake 

 through, or from which it issues gives rise to the Soobunshee- 

 ree also. It is nevertheless asserted, that, in the north-wester- 

 ly route to the Lama country, the Deehong is crossed from 

 east to west at the twelfth stage and left. 



I have received also from the Abors a singular account of 

 an immense river running from east to west, and having no 

 connection with the Deebong. It is luckily distant but five days' 

 journey from their first villages ; and therefore, if I am success- 

 ful in negotiating with them, the foundation of this story may 

 be traced ; but it appears to me a doubtful version of a vague 

 tale current amongst the Assamese, which is frequently told 

 with many circumstances of wonder and exaggeration, of a 



