1841.] Report on the Island of Chedooba. 351 



Of these circles, Kammaa and Tang-roa, which divide the whole western, 

 southern, and part of the northern portions of the Islands, are the most 

 extensive, but least populous, Kyouktan the smallest in extent. The 

 other three the most productive and populous, and Ree-qyueng the best 

 cultivated. 



Division II. 

 Population — Reven ue — Police. 



The population of Chedooba may perhaps, comparatively with the 

 neighbouring countries, be looked on as large, by the census of 1839-40 

 amounting to 8,534, and when it is considered that this population is 

 confined to the strip of cultivated laud surrounding the Island, at least 

 that portion of the Inland will be esteemed to have a fair share of inha- 

 bitants. No great increase from census to census is at present observed, 

 but as I was informed that formerly the Island possessed a far denser 

 population, evidence of which was afforded in the amount of land now 

 waste, which had formerly been cultivated. I have no doubt that the 

 effect of its present state of comfort and peace must soon develope itself 

 in a large increase of inhabitants, who I was informed by one party were 

 so numerous before the Burmese invasion that famine was sometimes the 

 consequence of the inability of the Islands to support them, a statement 

 I think not to be entirely depended on. As there is but little influx or 

 efflux of strangers, the census from year to year, if coirectly taken, 

 presents the changes occurring among the actual Islanders. But from 

 what I saw, and from a portion of the revenue being derived from a poll 

 tax, I incline to think it is greater than the returns shew. 



With exception of a very small community of Burmahs lately estab- 

 lished on one of the eastern villages the whole population is Vug. Their 

 account of themselves is that they are descendants of parties who 

 originally used to cross to the Island from the mainland and Ramree to 

 cut wood, and who eventually and slowly settled on it. 



For sometime subsequent to the English possession of the country, 

 considerable complication prevailed in the district, and partially in 

 Chedooba owing to the mutual ignorance of the governors and governed. 



The mistaken Revenue system introduced in 1827 and 1828, have been 

 replaced by an equitable and judicions taxation: its present result is 

 content, happiness,and peace, its future in all probability an increase in all 

 these, in addition to opulence and prosperity. The revenue is raised from 



