2i8 WILD SPORTS OF BURMA AND ASSAM 



one, most symmetrically formed, and with a splendid pair of 

 tusks. I heard that after we annexed the country Messrs. 

 Rogers of Sheffield bought these tusks at auction. I wonder 

 whether they cut them up into handles for knives ! He had 

 been must some time, so had not been washed or bathed for 

 about a month, and as he was covered with dirt thrown over 

 his body by himself it was impossible to judge how white he 

 was. He had certainly pink eyes so I fancy he was an 

 albino. He died a few months after we saw him, and was 

 replaced by a miserable little beast who had not much pre- 

 tence to being white. 



In the centre of the town was the king's palace and its 

 outbuildings all surrounded by a broad ditch and walls 

 flanked with towers. I was disappointed with the palace ; 

 it was not half so grand as many of the phoongie houses I 

 had seen. The stables were extensive, but only occupied by 

 some four or five spotted ponies of no value, and such as we 

 see in most circuses. The great idol is a representation of 

 Buddha seated in the usual cross-legged manner, and consists 

 of metal. It was cast in Arrakan, and when we overran that 

 country it was moved across the mountains to its present site, 

 and took, it is said, 10,000 men to carry. I have no doubt 

 it is very valuable. It is, or was when I saw it, very much 

 distorted from the many thousands of pilgrims daily smearing 

 it over with gold leaf. The Chinese had a quarter to them- 

 selves, and their Joss-house was well worth a visit, the images 

 inside were very life-like and beautifully dressed. The whole 

 of it, even the stones used in the structure, we were told, had 

 been brought piece by piece from China via Bhamo, and must 

 have been a work of time and vast expense. 



Round the king's palace were built the houses of his 

 mingyees or ministers, and each had a neat little garden in 

 front with a trellis-work on which were growing vines. The 

 streets were broad, well laid out, and perfectly straight ; the 

 cross roads being at right angles, forming boulevards like 

 those common on the Continent. There were a good many 

 brick houses. The Mannipuries, who form the king's cavalry, 

 lived apart by themselves, and their women are reckoned the 

 beauties of the capital. Each trade has a street allotted to 



