1002 Journal of an Expedition to the Chinese Frontier. [Dec. 



Zumue, Labong and Lagon have already been described by Dr. 

 Richardson, the former is in 18° 47' north latitude and about 99° 20' 

 east longitude. They form the patrimony of one family, the chiefs 

 are therefore all connected, and the oldest usually exercises a sort of 

 control over the others, but this appeared to me to be very small and 

 having only reference to their external intercourse or war with the 

 Burmans. Much jealousy exists between them all. 



The Chou Houas of both Labong and Lagon have been lately 

 elevated to the Tsaubuaship of those places, and the Chou Raja 

 Brit of the former and Chou Raja Wun of the latter to the offices 

 of Chou Houa. Both these states have always proved themselves 

 anxious and willing for a free intercourse, forming, a contrast in this 

 respect with the conduct of Zimmay. 



Cattle is abundant in Zumue and Lagon but we have nearly 

 exhausted the Labong territory. The inhabitants of the former place, 

 to escape the oppressive exactions they are subjected to when they sell 

 cattle, deliver them to our traders in the Labong territory, and thus 

 avoid having their names registered. 



There is little or no trade in these districts ; the inhabitants procure 

 salt from Bankok, and export paddy and stick lac. Their home manu- 

 factories supply most of their wants, and the only thing in demand 

 from our province is the red cotton stuff called by the Burmans shanf, 

 and for this even the merchants do not obtain prime cost, and are only 

 repaid by the profit they make on the cattle exported in return. In 

 spite of their enmity towards the Burmans, large quantities of betel- 

 nut are carried into Kiang Tung, which state has not a single tree of 

 that fruit in it. Many of the chiefs, if not the whole, are aware of it 

 and allow their followers to smuggle it out of the country for their 

 own profit, but especially object to the poorer people doing so. The 

 trade with China is very limited, about 300 mules come down 

 annually (but not one-third laden) with silks, (raw and made up) 

 copper pots, tinsel, lace, &c. which they exchange for cotton, ivory, 

 horns, &c. A traffic is carried on also with the Red Kareans on the 

 right bank of the Salween, exchanging cattle for stick lac and slaves. 

 This last horrible trade has not diminished, and I regret to say some of 

 the inhabitants of India have embarked in it. I warned them agree- 

 able to your commands of the penalty attending the introduction of 

 any of those unfortunate creatures into our provinces. 



One of the Red Karean chiefs accompanied the Chou Houa to Bankok : 

 his as well as that chief's visit had reference to an attempt made 

 some months ago by the Siamese Shans, to bring away the inhabitants 



