197 



former mostly returned to Assam after our occupation, 

 but large numbers of the latter never returned, and 

 their descendants form still a large part of the popu- 

 lation of Habraghat and Kootaghat." But British 

 troops drove out the Burmese, the British Govern- 

 ment restored peace and security of property, and 

 in accordance with the laws of nature, increase of 

 population and wealth should have rapidly followed. 

 Unfortunately, however, among the characteristics 

 of the people, laziness and indolence are most 

 prominent. They determinedly refuse to do more 

 work than will just suffice to maintain them in the 

 comfort of a rude existence. More unfortunately 

 still, they are addicted to the use of a drug* which 

 heightens those characteristics by its baneful influ- 

 ence on their physical powers Opium ! This drug* 

 is consumed, in quantities, by 70 per cent, of the 

 people. They give it even to their children, and 

 the results on the whole population are very 

 evident/ 7 



" The habit," reported Dr. J. Long in 1853, "acts 

 very injuriously on the people : it renders them 

 listless and apathetic ; weakens their digestive 

 system, and produces congestion of the brain and 

 other organs, particularly of the liver and kidneys. 

 It has before been noticed the liability to severe 

 congestive inflammation of the lungs, to which 

 opium-eaters are liable after slight labour. 



" So long* as the opium-eater is able to procure 

 good and nourishing diet, suited to his system, and 



