( 175 ) 



changed his views, altogether, giving as a reason the disturbed and 

 unhealthy state of the country. I took the opportunity to point out 

 the very short interval, that had elapsed since he first told me that 

 there was nothing to prevent my accomplishing the journey, in 

 peace and safety ; but, Burrnanlike, ever ready with a lying rejoin- 

 der, he remarked that it takes less time for the Kakhyens to rise in 

 arms, or for a disease to appear, than to kindle a fire ; finding, 

 however, I was inflexible, and determined on taking the route origi- 

 nally selected by him, he put forth a claim for twenty-five Eupees 

 to secure a guarantee from the Kantee Tswabwa for the safety of 

 myself and people. I felt I was being imposed on, but endeavoured 

 to outwit the rascal, by stating my funds were limited, and that I 

 was not prepared to meet such an exorbitant demand ; ultimately, I 

 agreed to pay twenty Rupees, which terms were accepted, and the 

 money paid. The escort and coolies were promised to be in readiness 

 by ten o'clock the next day. Being now out of the Bhamo district, 

 I discharged Moung Oung, the guide provided by the Governor, 

 presenting him with twenty Rupees, a silk handkerchief, and a cer- 

 tificate reporting favourably on his behaviour. 



297. Sunday, 8th February 1874— Thermometer, 50° at 6 a.m., 

 took a walk round the Island and found the peach and areca catechu 

 growing side by side ; also noticed two fine specimens of Ficas elastica 

 held in sacred reverence, and not allowed to be tapped ; they were 

 planted twenty years ago, I am told, and measured as below : — 



No. 1.— Height ... ... ... ... 62 feet. 



Circumference of space occupied by crown ... 420 ,, 



Ditto trunk ... ... ... 41 „ 



Ditto including aerial roots ... ... 69 „ 



No. 2.— Height ... ... ... ... 59 „ 



Circumference of space occupied by crown ... 390 ,, 



Ditto trunk ... ... ... 37 „ 



Ditto including aerial roots ... ... 47 „ 



N, B. — In both these specimens the aerial roots were scant. 

 Shot six Carpophaga sylvatica, Centropus eurycercus, : also noticed 

 Caracids affinis, Alcedo asiatica, JJpupa longirostris, Palceornis magni- 

 rostris, and Urocissi occiptalis. On returning to my boat I found no 

 signs of the coolies, so proceeded at once to the Amat's house, to 

 enquire the reason. He stated that the men refused to go unless 

 paid in advance, and he fixed their wages at Rs. 5 per head, 

 limiting the journey to five days. The advance was made, and 

 I started for Ah-chay at 3 p.m., where the Amat promised to join 

 me with the escort and coolies before dark. The old hpoongyee now 

 sent word to say he wished to see me before my departure ; he 

 had only a few land words of advice to offer, cautioning me to avoid 

 the Kakhyens as much as possible, and make a friend of the royal 



