1842.] in Ava, to Aeng in Arracan. 1155 



We were unable to leave Nariengain till 10 o'clock on the 24th, the 

 road down the mountain having been completely blocked up by large 

 trees felled across at every few yards ; the descent for six furlongs was 

 exceedingly rapid, and brought us to a small open spot used as a halt- 

 ing place by travellers, and named Koaronkire.* Here a fine stream of 

 water issued from the hill, and being dammed up afforded great 

 refreshment to our jaded cattle. A little further on, was another 

 small stockade in a capital position, and defended by an abbattis 

 extending some distance down the road, which for two miles more was 

 much impeded by trees ; and had it not been for the exertions of Lieut. 

 Davinire and his detachment of Pioneers, would have impeded us 

 considerably ; as it was, we did* not arrive at Jooadah,t though a dis- 

 tance of only six miles, until sunset. The latter part of the road was 

 through a bamboo jungle, and as we passed along, we heard the 

 screams of innumerable baboons, and observed the recent tracks of 

 many wild elephants. 



On the 25th, we still continued descending the same tongue of land, 

 and after marching eleven milesj arrived at Sarawah, on the banks of 

 the Aeng river. Thence to Aeng, where we marched on the 26th, was 

 fifteen miles, the road occasionally crossing the Aeng river, and several 

 other smaller streams; over the latter substantial wooden bridges 

 had been thrown, of sufficient breadth to admit any species of wheel 

 carriage, but time had so much impaired the wood, that they had 

 all fallen to decay,§ whilst those which age had spared, had been pur- 

 posely destroyed by the Burmahs. Six miles before entering Aeng, the 

 road leaves the hills, and from thence is superb, being quite level, and 

 about twenty feet wide. 



Aeng when we entered it contained but few inhabitants, but 

 formerly it was of considerable size, and was the emporium of all 

 the trade between the two kingdoms. || The tide runs past the village, 

 but at this season of the year there is not water enough for boats 

 of any size within six miles of the wharf. We had been informed on 



* The road from this landing place to the frontier line, five marches, is probably 

 much less difficult even for Artillery than the Bolan Pass, 

 f Wadait. J This part is by far the mos t difficult of any. 



§ Lately repaired. 

 || It has since revived, and is now a place of some little consequence. 



7 L 



