( 45 ) 



ing I visited this locality some fresh caravans from the East had 

 just arrived, but the people were unwilling either to sell or even 

 show us their goods ; in fact, it was with difficulty they could be in- 

 duced to answer the few questions I put through an interpreter 

 The Paloungs are hardly distinguishable from the Shans ; they are 

 perhaps shorter, thicker set, and not quite so fair ; but inall other 

 respects, either as regards features, costume, or domestic habits, 

 they are identical. 



81. Information having been brought me now of some ficus elas- 

 Trip to Mengoon in search of ti( i a plantations at Mengoon, I mention- 



ficus eiastica. ed to Captain Strover my intention of 



inspecting them ; and although he doubted the accuracy of what 

 I had heard, he very kindly arranged to accompany me, and the 

 next morning we crossed over in the Eesidency boat. Mengoon is 

 perhaps four miles north of Mandalay, on the opposite side of the 

 river, and three from the Made creek, where we got on board. 

 The Irrawaddy just here at this season is divided into many arms 

 enclosing islands of considerable size, some permanent and inha- 

 bited, others temporary or mere sand-banks of recent formation, 

 which delayed us crossing. Certainly we stopped a few minutes to 

 get a shot at some geese, but what actually impeded progress was 

 the circuitous route and the strong current we had to stem. 



82. In the creek where we embarked was lying His Majesty's 

 His Majesty's state Barge, and State barge, with a handsoraely-carved 



neglected steam Saw-miEs. and gilded pavilion, and a seven tiered- 



roof, after the description of the tower in the palace — borne on 

 twin flat-bottomed boats, also gilded to the water's edge, and 

 finished off at prow and stern by leogryphs handsomely picked 

 out in gold and red, and finished off in mosaic work in mirror. I 

 believe this barge has never been used by the King since it was 

 built. Here, also, were the steam saw-mills in course of erection, 

 but from the rusted condition of the machinery it was evident they 

 had been in this half-finished state for months past. The buildings, 

 which were teak throughout and most substantial, had evidently 

 been designed by one who understood the work, for every possible 

 provision had been made, both for launching and landing the hea- 

 viest timber. 



83. The Eesident was quite right regarding the inaccuracy of 

 Failure to find ficus eiastica at the report brought me ; for after a 



Mengoon. niost careful hunt all about Mengoon, 



and enquiries from different people who had resided in the vicinity 

 for years past, we could find no trace of the ficus eiastica plantations, 

 but were shown some fine specimens of ficus cordifolia, which, ap- 

 parently in the absence of the genuine tree, is equally rever- 



