994 Journal of an Expedition to the Ckmese Frontier. [t)EC« 



surrounded by high mountains, and the dry ditch round the town is 

 at some places 70 feet deep, being dug from the base of the wall on 

 the top of the hill, to the level of the swamp found at their bases. 

 The surrounding mountains are well peopled by tribes of Lawas, Ka 

 Kuas and Ka Kdis, and the villages in the valleys must be likewise 

 large and contain a great many inhabitants judging from the crowds 

 that assemble in the town on a market day. All the towns and 

 villages passed by me to the north and east of the capital were inha- 

 bited, the houses much better than those in town, and in every respect 

 more comfortable. 



The Tsaubua is about 50 years of age, but an active-minded man; 

 he has been many years blind, he is much beloved by his subjects. 

 He was the youngest of six brothers, (the eldest of whom was Tsaubua 

 of the place) and who about thirty years ago rebelled against the 

 Burm;> ns and placed themselves under the protection of Siam and are 

 now detained at Zumue and Labong. The present Tsaubua on the 

 way, finding the Siamese were inclined to break their promises to 

 thi&m, after vainly endeavouring to pursuade his brothers to join him, 

 fought his way, with a small party, back to his native place, which 

 though then depopulated he has managed to repeople. The avarice 

 and cruelty of the Burmans drove them to the step they took. The 

 Siamese would find the present Tsaubua a troublesome neighbour 

 and enemy but for his misfortune. 



There were formerly many distinct states in this direction ruled by 

 Tsaubuas, who with their subjects also either joined the Siamese or 

 were afterwards carried away. All these states now are under Kiang 

 Tung, but immediately governed by a descendant of the former 

 Tsaubuas, and no doubt, will eventually be erected again into sepa- 

 rate states, when their inhabitants have increased, which they are 

 rapidly doing, and will do if not disturbed by the Siamese or their 

 tributaries. 



This state is tributary to Ava, but the chief plainly shewed me that 

 they had no affection for their jealous and greedy masters. 



It is a great thoroughfare for the Chinese caravans, being the only 

 safe high road from China to Moue and other Shan states to the west- 

 ward of the Salween. It has the Muang Lein territory to its north, to 

 the westward and northward of which, the wild and independent tribes 

 of Lawas, and Ka Kuis are located, rendering the road too dangerous 

 to be travelled, so much so, though the direct road from Muang Lein 

 to Ava is by Thuni, the officers and others are invariably obliged to 

 go to the capital by Kiang Tung and Movie, 



