( ioi ) 



on the banks of the Taping only a few miles further on, and killed 

 three of the inhabitants. The crowds that had by this time sur- 

 rounded our house, were ready to corroborate all and every state- 

 ment made by the officials, and, strange to say, the relations of the 

 deceased were present, and implored of us not to venture such 

 a hazardous trip, if we valued our lives. We were not, how- 

 ever, to be thrown off the scent in this manner, and expressed de- 

 termination on going under any circumstances : after a little 

 more palaver, it was agreed that the canoes should be in readiness 

 the next morning at 6 a.m., and that the Governor's representatives 

 would accompany us. The officials had not very long left, when 

 I was sorry to find Mr. Cooper change his mind about going, but 

 very kindly gave me permission to do as I thought best ; of course, 

 I was resolute, feeling the present excursion could hardly present 

 the dangers and difficulties I would have to encounter later on in 

 my travels, and besides which, this offered a capital opportunity of 

 testing what my escort were made of. Having been debarred the 

 pleasure of my friend's company, was a matter for regret, for it is 

 always more agreeable and satisfactory to have an extra pah' of eyes 

 when exploring a country ; however, Mr. Cooper could not be per- 

 suaded to alter his mind again, for he had a double motive, I was 

 informed, in remaining behind — in the first place, he did not con- 

 sider it correct to risk his life, and thereby involve Government in 

 political difficulties ; and, secondly, he was in hopes that, if the 

 two officials accompanied me, he would be better able to extract 

 information from the people in their absence. The grounds of his 

 first objection I quite concurred in ; but as regarded the second, I 

 was satisfied there was not the least chance of his hopes being 

 realized ; — neither were they, for only one of the Governor's Officers 

 accompanied me. 



184. Before proceeding with an account of my journey further 



on, I must give a description of the 

 TseeW 7 betW6en Bham ° and Physical aspect of the country be- 

 tween Bhanio and Tseekaw, and also 

 allude to the village we are now in. The Taping is one of the 

 principal tributaries of the Irrawaddy. It takes its rise in Western 

 China, and in its mountainous course is a mere magnified moun- 

 tain torrent running down through narrow gorges. Quitting the 

 hills, it assumes the character of a large river sweeping down in 

 a tortuous course through a fertile valley, and navigable for boats 

 of three feet six inches draft up to Tseekaw throughout the year. 

 Ascending this river, its large expanse of water gives the impres- 

 sion that it is navigable for a considerable distance, but one is 



