1844.] into the Naga Hills in 1844. 785 



south bank of the Diboo Panee, it then enters the bed of that river and 

 proceeds thus for three miles, when it reaches the hills on the eastern 

 base of the Summagoding range ; the road crosses these hills (distance 

 three miles,) it again enters the bed of the river for another two miles 

 and then comes to the southern base of the Summagoding hills ; from 

 here to the foot of the Rajahpiama hills, the road is in the bed of the 

 river, and there stops. Captain Bigge had a path cut in the jungle 

 (grass) along the edge of the bank, but this has been entirely cut away 

 by the encroachments of the river. The route along the bed of the 

 river is very tedious and fatiguing, being for the most part over 

 large stones and rocks, stepping exceedingly slippery, and the re- 

 mainder through the water, which in some places is up to a man's 

 middle. The path by which the Summagoding Nagas and others 

 come to Dhemapoor, is the more direct of the two. I went to Sum- 

 magoding by the Naga route, and returned by Captain Bigge's ; the 

 coolies and people who accompanied me preferred the Naga route, and 

 I also gave it the preference ; for although the ascent to Summagoding 

 is rather tedious, it is far less fatiguing of the two, The distance di- 

 rect from Dhemapoor to Summagoding by Captain Bigge's route is 1 8 

 miles, by the Nagas, 15 miles. To persons wishing to proceed to the 

 Konoma Naga hills and beyond, Captain Bigge's route would be prefer- 

 able. Elephants and horses can also go by this route, but to Summa- 

 goding the Naga route is the better of the two ; neither horses nor 

 elephants can ascend the Summagoding hills, as in some places the 

 rocks are so steep, that steps have been cut in them to enable per- 

 sons to go up by. For 3000 Rs. a good pathway might be made from 

 Dhemapoor to Raja piama, passable throughout the year. I would take 

 the path over the low hills in preference to trusting to the water-course. 

 If this sum were sanctioned and I permitted, I should be most happy 

 to superintend the road. Early in December is the best season for road- 

 making, the country is then passable, and the ryots have finished with 

 their crops, and willing to work. 



