1837.] from Ava to the Frontier of Assam. 273 



Among the several races of people inhabiting the valleys through 

 which the principal rivers flow, the Khantis or Khumptis hold a very 

 conspicuous rank : they are represented as a fine, brave, and hardy 

 race of men, and are held in great apprehension by the Burmahs, who, 

 about three years ago, attempted to raise revenue amongst them : the 

 force detached on this duty, however, met with such determined 

 resistance, that it was compelled to return, and no subsequent attempt 

 has been made on their independence. They are in constant commu- 

 nication with the Khuniings, a wild tribe inhabiting the mountains 

 to the north and east, from whom they procure silver and iron. " The 

 former is found in a mine, said to be situated on the northern side of 

 the mountains, to the north-east of Khanti." All the information 

 Captain Hannay could obtain led him to suppose that this mine was 

 worked by people subject to China, and from the description given, he 

 thinks they are Lamas, or people of Thibet. The part of the Chinese 

 territories north-east of Khanti is known at Hukong by the name of 

 Mungfan*, and the Khantis have no communication with it but through 

 the Khunungs. 



From Meingkhwon, Captain Hannay obtained a view of the hill, 

 near which lie the sources of the U>ru river, one of the principal afflu- 

 ents of the Ningthi or Khyendwen : it bore south 35° west from 

 Meingkhwon, and was about 25 miles distant. It is in the vicinity of 

 this spot that the most celebrated mines of serpentine are situated, 

 and their position is thus described by Captain Hannay. 



" A line drawn from Mogaung in a direction of N. 55 W. and another 

 from Meingkhwon N. 25 W. will give the position of the serpentine 

 mine district. The Chinese frequently proceed to the mines by water 

 for two days' journey up the Mogaung river, to a village called Kam~ 

 mein, at which place a small stream called Engdau-khyoung , falls into 

 the Mogaung river. From thence a road leads along the Engdau- 

 khyoung to a lake several miles in circumference called Engdau-gyi, 

 and to the north of this lake eight or nine miles distant are the ser- 

 pentine mines. The tract of country in which the serpentine is found 

 extending 18 or 20 miles." There is, however, another more direct 



* la the second volume of Du Halde's " China," p. 385, the Pfere Regis 

 thus describes the tribe by which this tract of country is inhabited, and its geo- 

 graphical site : 



" The most powerful among the Tartar Lamas are those called by the Chinese 

 Moongfan, who possess a wide territory in Tibet, north of Li Kyang-lH-fU, 

 between the rivers Kincha-fcyang and Vu-lyangho. This country was ceded to 

 them by Usanghey (whom the Manchews made king of Yunan) to engage them 

 in his interest." — R. B. P. 



