between the Southern Part of Bengal and Ava, 35 



persuaded, safely think, that the mountainous region interpos- 

 ed between Ava and Bengal, is vastly more populous than is 

 commonly imagined. Few countries, indeed, enjoy a better soil, 

 or a more copious supply of water, which, with the heat of the 

 climate, insures a most productive return to the cultivator. 

 Hitherto, this great and fertile territory has been abandoned 

 to its rude inhabitants, as a neutral ground, to fence between 

 the encroachments of two great empires. If both are united, 

 the present inhabitants must alter very much their manner of 

 life. They probably will become more skilful in the arts, and 

 obtain some tincture of science ; but whether or not these ad- 

 vantages may compensate for the loss of independence, and for 

 the encroachments of people more advanced in society, admits 

 of considerable doubt. In case such an event should happen, 

 it is to be hoped, that the victorious power may in time take 

 proper steps to prevent the encroachments. 



The last considerable stream in the territory of Kaungla Pru 

 towards the south, is that, which passes Edgong, (Rennell) 

 and Eadgur, (Walker) above the former. The river which 

 runs through this valley, by the Moroosas who inhabit its 

 banks, is called Rikango. It rises from the west side of a hill, 

 which the Bengalese call Muni pahar, but which the Moroosas 

 call Meindaung. Beyond this, my informants alleged, that 

 they never had been ; but they had heard, that beyond it re- 

 side the Kaungme, no doubt the Mroun, who live at Kammi 

 or Kangme, on the Mamuri, which, therefore, comes from the 

 south. Beyond that are the Zeindu, which, in the account of 

 tiie Mamuri, is called Seindu, a Joomea village on that river. 

 South from the Zeindu, according to the Moroosas of Edgohg, 

 are the Sak on the Mrooseit river, (Moroosay, Walker, Im_ 

 rosyk, Robinson,) which is the principal branch of the Naaf. 

 North from these Sak, are the Kulak Sak, a kindred tribe. 

 Beyond these, on the Knla Deing river, (Kolal)yng, Walker,) 

 live many Moroosas and Joomeas, dependent on Arakan, but 

 many refugees from thence, unable to bear the tyranny of the 

 Burmas, have retired to the Island of Mascally, (Fish-creek) 

 on the coast of Chatigang. 



The territory of Kaungla Pru, extending from the Sunkar 

 to the Joareeah, (Rennell) is about thirty-seven British miles, 



