20 



UPPER ASSAM. 



least in some parts to the less denseness of the jungle. The fact of 

 the shoots appearing from the bases of the stems which had been cut 

 down in the small clearing above mentioned, gave us good opportuni- 

 ties of seeing the effects of exposure to the sun. This they seemed 

 to bear well, but the shoots were rather too much elongated, and the 

 leaves had too much of a yellow tint to indicate that such was their 

 natural situation. No part of the soil on which tea was found was 

 like the soil of Nadowar or Manmoo ; still, although stiffer than the 

 others, it was characterised by a certain lightness. 



The superstratum was very light, and brownish black, the remain- 

 der yellowish brown, the yellow tints as well as the stiffness increas- 

 ing downwards. The soil was here deeper than in any of the other 

 sites. 



Many parts of the ground were excessively low, and very probably 

 inundated during the rains. 



From the fact of its occurring in such abundance in the small 

 clearing to the N. W. of the village, I am induced to suppose that 

 it had at some period extended down the large clearing which runs 

 200 yards to the south of the above village. 



The associated vegetation presented no peculiarities ; several plants, 

 with which we had not previously met, occurred. One, a Stauntonia, 

 was found, which may be supposed from analogy to indicate a certain 

 coldness of climate. But on the other hand, it was associated with 

 so many tropical forms that not much reliance can be placed on this 

 isolated fact. 



On the 25th we returned to Rangagurrah, where the elephants 

 and dowaniers (drivers) were dismissed. On the 26th we commenc- 

 ed returning by the Deboroo, the descent of which occupied two days 

 and a half. 



Here let me express my opinion that in cases like ours, where a 

 set of men are deputed to examine countries, time spent on rivers is 

 absolutely thrown away. Of course in many instances such must be 

 the case, but where it is avoidable, marching, and especially returning 

 by a different route, should be adopted. Rangagurrah, be it known, 

 is only two days' march from Suddiyah in a direct line, yet we have 

 been a month proceeding by the circuitous line of rivers between these 

 places. 



