SKETCH OF ARACAN. 379 



of wood, and no Siirdar could build one that did not correspond with his 

 rank, the plan of which was, in the first instance, submitted for the approval of 

 the Prince. 



Gold dust and Silver, in grains, are found in the nullahs at Bassein : all 

 those eitiployed in gathering the precious metals pay each twelve rupees in 

 gold, for the privilege, as no one is allowed to collect the dust without a pur- 

 wannah from the King. The process is managed by a tray, about half an inch 

 deep, which is filled with sand, and taken into the stream, where the sand is 

 moved about, and carried away by the water, the metals remaining at the bottom. 



The soil of Clieduha is well adapted for the cultivation of Cotton, which 

 may be introduced with advantage. Sandoway, Aeng, and various parts of 

 the province of Aracan, appear favourable for the cultivation of Coffee, 

 and I would recommend the immediate introduction of the plant into 

 these provinces : the land-holders are very desirous to improve and add to 

 the productions of the country, and ought to meet with every encourage- 

 ment : if a nursery, on a small scale, under an experienced superintendent, 

 was established to rear the Coffee plant, I have no doubt the experiment 

 would prove successful. 



The land revenue of Aracan and its dependancies, for the first five years, 



may be estimated at Rupees 150,000 per annum. 



Import and export duties at 50,000 



Court fees and fines at 20,000 



Total, Sa. Rs. 220,000 per annum, exclusive of 



what may be derived from the manufacture of Salt, and the sale of Opium. 

 After that period, there is every reason to hope the resources will be more 

 considerable. 



3 z 



