1847-] -ZVb tice of th e Deo Mown ees. 713 



tions or shells containing incoherent matter. Our spherulites are evi- 

 dently yet a problem for resolution, and it is only by attention to the 

 mineralogical conditions of it that we can hope to see its geological 

 bearings properly estimated. 



Notice of the Deo Monnees* or sacred beads of Assam, by the same. 



Major Jenkins sends me in a letter a string of six of these singular 

 objects, of which he says : — 



" I shall be obliged if you can tell me what these beads are, and if 

 you know where any similar are to be had, and whether they are artifi- 

 cial or natural? I suppose the latter are jaspers V 



" You may have seen such and blue and white beads made into neck- 

 laces by the Faqueers, the blue and these are in very great demand with 

 all our hill tribes, and could I obtain a few strings of sizes they would be 

 very useful to give as occasional presents to chiefs whom we may seek 

 to attach to our government. Why these beads are considered so valu- 

 able amongst these tribes I only account for by supposing they are very 

 scarce, could they not be easily imitated V 



And Captain Smith writing to him says : — 



" I send yon some of the Deo Monnees so prized by the Singphos 

 and without a string of them, a wife is not to be had. I send small 

 ones, as I should have to pay 5 lis. for a large sized one ; those similar 

 in grain to the Ash wood and irregularly bored are most prized, they 

 should be of both the colors I send ; they are valued most because 

 they are supposed to be the real Deo Monnee, and are said to be found 

 ready bored. Those that are particularly smooth outside, and regular- 

 ly bored are not so valued, as they are thought to be the work of man's 

 hands, whereas the others are by the gods themselves.'* 



These singular objects of veneration (the small-sized ones as sent to 

 us) are small flat circular disks, about from one to 1^- eighth of an inch 

 thick and from one to two eighths in diameter, with holes in the middle 

 or towards it. The colors are from a dirty greenish yellow to a bright 

 sealing wax red ; some are yellowish and marbled with the red colour in 

 veins like Jaspers, but the red ones are not marbled with yellow. These 

 * Deo Momiee, Jewel of the gods. 



4 z 2 



