338 MEMOIR OF A SURVEY OF 



shrine, which, the former assert, is at a considerable distance. The 

 Dibong is said to be divided, on its issue from the hills, into four branches, 

 but above them is a deep and even stream, occasionally intersected by 

 rocks. The source is described to be remote, but none of the villagers 

 could give any account of it, nor of the general course of the stream, from 

 personal observation, as they seldom leave the immediate vicinage of their 

 native villages. The nearest village to the river was Zillee, about nine 

 hours' inarch, from which Maboom was half a day's journey distance. 

 The undivided course of the stream, above a small hill, a short way above 

 the spot where Captain Bedford had moored, and round which the Dibong 

 winds into the low country, was ascertained by actual observation. 



In reply to Captain Bedford's expressed wish to proceed, the Meesh- 

 mees, who gradually increased in numbers, coming in from the different 

 villages, insisted on his waiting the arrival of the Gaum, or Chief of Alonga, 

 to whom, the interpreter pretended, the others looked as their head: while 

 thus delayed, bees' wax, honey, rice and ginger were brought for barter ; 

 but it did not appear that the Meeshmees were sportsmen, like the Abors, and 

 no game was procurable : according to their own assertions, the Meeshmees 

 of the left bank are much addicted to the chase, especially those of Buliba- 

 jeea; whom they describe also as a fierce race of cannibals. The Zillee 

 Meeshmees sometimes kill elephants with poisoned arrows, and after cut- 

 ting out the wounded part, eat the flesh of the animal. 



On the afternoon of the 17th, the Gaum of Anundeea made his 

 appearance, by far the most respectable looking of his tribe ; those of 

 Zillee and a village called Atooma, had previously arrived. In the confer- 

 ence that ensued, the Chiefs endeavoured to dissuade a further advance, 

 chiefly on the plea of danger from the rapids, and the unfriendly disposi- 

 tion of other tribes ; but they promised to offer no obstruction. On the 

 following day, accordingly, the route was resumed, when a messenger 



