1845.] Report of an Expedition into the Mishmee Hills. 479 



Sissoo tree, intermixed with Hallecks which, from the beautiful red 

 flower that blossoms on it at this time of year, imparts quite an autum- 

 nal tint to the landscape. 



This day the patches of cultivation in the hills became quite ap- 

 parent, and the landslips on some of the mountains appeared of such 

 magnitude that the fact of a village being occasionally swept away 

 ought not to be wondered at, and I was told that the village of Macrusu 

 was so destroyed last year, and that many of its inhabitants together 

 with the chief of the village were involved in the destruction. By even- 

 ing we arrived at the mouth of the Sidroo, where we remained the night. 



Nov. 26th. — From this point the river becomes a succession of 

 rapids, so that during the day our progress was but slow. The scenery is, 

 however, very magnificent, and the river abounds with a great variety 

 of the best sorts of fish, amongst which I mention the Silghurreah, 

 Boca, Maikhan, Liun, Sandoees, Advee, &c. &c, which when fresh caught 

 are most delicious eating. 



At the foot of one of the hills that approaches the Burhampooter 

 at this part, is observable a high white cliff, which the traditions of the 

 natives affirm to be the remains of the marriage feast of Raja Sisopal 

 with the daughter of a neighbouring king, named Bhismak ; but she 

 (Rookmunee) being stolen away by Krishna before the ceremony was 

 completed, the whole of the viands were left uneaten, and have since 

 become consolidated into their present form. 



As we had now arrived within a short distance of the Khamptee 

 village inhabited by the sons of the Rannah and Jow Gohains, I sent 

 in some of my people to inform them of my arrival, and in the mean 

 time made as much progress in the boats as the nature of the stream 

 would allow, but found that the current was too rapid to admit of my 

 reaching the mouth of the Dura river ; a short distance from which I 

 therefore remained for the night. 



November 27th. — About 10 o'clock this morning, the party I had 



despatched to give information of my arrival made their appearance, 



bringing with them the sons of the Rannah and Jow Gohains, together 



with several Mishmee chiefs, and a numerous train of followers both 



Khamptee and Mishmee, when all were assembled and a conference 



took place. It was arranged, that I should proceed into the hills guided 



by these Khamptee chiefs, who appearing to possess a good deal of 



3 u 



