﻿172 • A DESCRIPTION 



GoivahittyX.o Ghergong are seventy-five standard cos3 ; 

 and from thence it is fifteen days, journey to Khotcn, 

 which was the residence of Peerau IVis-ek*, but is 

 now called Ava -f, and is the capital of the Raja of 

 Pegu, who considers himself of the posterity of that 

 famous General. The first five days journey from the 

 mountains of Qamrup, is performed through forests, 

 'and over hills, which are arduous and difficult to pass. 

 You then travel eastward to Ava through a level 

 and smooth country. To the northward is the plain 

 of Kfiata, that has been beiore mentioned as the 

 place from whence the Brahncfuira issues, which is 

 afterwards fed by several riveis that How from the 

 southern mountains of Asam. The principal of these 

 is the DhoneC) which has before occurred in this his- 

 tory : it joins that broad river at the village Lticki- 

 gerch. 



Between these rivers is an island well inhabited, 

 and in 2 n excellent state of riiLge. It contains a spa- 

 cious, clear, and pleasant country, extending to the 

 distance of about fifty coss. The cultivated tract is 

 bounded by a thick forest, which harbours elephants, 

 and where those animals may be caught, as well as 

 in four or five other forests of Asam, If there be oc- 

 casion for them, five or six hundred elephants may be 

 procured in a year. Across the Dhonec, which is the 

 side of Ghergong, is a wide, agreeable, and level 

 country, which delights the heart of the beholder. 

 The whole face of it is marked with population and 

 tillage; and it presents on every side charming pros- 



* According to Kbondcmlr, Peerau Wiseb was one of the nobles 

 of Afrasiah, King of Ti/ran, contemporary with Kaicaus, second 

 Prince of the Ktanian Dynasty. In the Ferbung Jebangeery and 

 Borbaun Katea (two Persian Dictionaries) Peer an is described as 

 one of the Peblovan or heroes of c furan, and General under Afra- 

 siab, the name of whose father was Wiseb. 



f This is a palpable mistake. Kboten lies to the north of Him* 

 mlaya ; and Piran Fisah could never feave 8een Ava. 



