1845.] Visit to the Hills near the Soobanshiri River. 267 



of washing is simple, and the Meris have had for two centuries constant 

 opportunity of watching it in all its phases. 



The last process of separating the gold from the remainder of the 

 sand or scoria, they might leave to the Assamese gold- washers ; but the 

 rough washing with the doorunnee and bottle gourd might be performed 

 by them, and a considerable quantity of gold introduced. The doorun- 

 nee, or tray, is very simple and easily made, and the gourds are obtained 

 from the Meris by the gold- washers. This would be a most lucrative 

 trade for them. By a little attention to the manjeet also, which they 

 are too lazy to give, its growth might I think be improved and its col- 

 lections facilitated, simply by the removal of other plants that choke it. 

 I have not much more to say ; but I may send you another chapter* if 

 you are not tired of me and the Meris. But this letter has grown to such 

 a length, I fear you will be inclined to throw it into the fire without 

 reading it. 



I have no doubt that there are sundry errors in this account ; but I 

 cannot stop to correct them, for I feel sure if I were to read over what I 

 have written I should hesitate about sending it. I had not intended 

 sending you the journal up the river, it was copied to send home with 

 sketches ; but as you seem interested in the scenery of the Soobanshiri, 

 I have ventured to add it. 



Yours very sincerely, 

 (Signed) E. T. Dalton. 

 (True Copy,) 



(Signed) F. Jenkins, 

 Agent to the Governor General. 

 (True Copies,) 



J. Currie, 

 Secretary to the Govt, of India. 



* Trade with us and with Abors ; position of villages ; rough estimate of population ; 

 Abors, Accas, not yet touched on. All these however might be included in a public 

 letter applying for leave to make a more extended excursion next year. 



