344 GEOGRAPHY AND 



o-eneration seem very averse, never personally engaging in either pastoral or 

 agricultural pursuits, which were conducted by the slaves, who bore a pro- 

 portion to their masters, of at least fifty to one. The S'mh-pko chiefs 

 seem, at the same time, fully sensible of the value of the possessions they have 

 acquired on the fertile plains over their original seats in the hills, and I have 

 no doubt, but that seeing the necessity of submitting, they will settle into 

 order and tranquillity, and that, by a gradual amelioration in their habits and 

 character, their descendants may become peaceable and valuable subjects. 



The post of Sadiya is nearly encircled, at a distance of from thirty to 

 fifty miles, by lines of mountains, behind which are more lofty ranges covered 

 with eternal snow — from which the Dihong and Dibong rivers flow from 

 the north, the Lohit east, and the Theinga and No*w Diking, more to the 

 southward, where the hills decrease in height, and present the pass to Ava^ 

 of which I shall speak hereafter. 



The portion of hills of the lower ranges, between the heads of the Dihong 

 and Dihong^ I have already described as the territory of the Abors : more to the 

 eastward of them, on the line of hills including the opening of the Brahma" 

 kundf is the district of Mishmis, another numerous hill tribe, differing only 

 in name from the others. (Appendix No. IV.) 



Beyond this mountainous region extends the grand field of enquiry and 

 interest, if any credit be due to the opinion universally prevalent here respect- 

 ing the nations inhabiting those tracts. The country to the eastward of 

 Shot, and the northward of Sadiya, extending on the plain beyond the 

 mountains, is said to be possessed by a powerful nation called Kolitas, or 

 Kidtas, who are described as having attained a high degree of advancement 

 and civilization, equal to any of the nations of the East. The power, domi-r 

 nion, and resources of the Kulta Raja are stated to exceed by far those of 



