EXTRACTS FROM HIS LETTERS. ix 



The following letters are quoted chiefly for the additional in- 

 formation they afford on the subject of his travels and pursuits. 

 His letters to Botanists would of course be more important and in- 

 teresting. 



Suddyah ; 16th September, 1836. 

 " I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the cold weather, as on 

 the 1st of November I hope to accompany — — to Ava, but in the 

 meantime, I intend proceeding in search of the tea plant to the Mish- 

 mee Hills, especially about Bramakoond, where it is reported to grow. 

 If I find it there, I will endeavour to trace it up into the mountains, 

 which form due east of this an amphitheatre of high rugged peaks." 



November 1st, 1836. 

 " I here write from the foot of the ' dreaded' Mishmee Hills. I left 

 Suddyah on the 15th October, and have already been to Bramakoond, 

 where I spent three days. I miss you much ; you would have been 

 delighted with the place, which is nothing but rocks and hills. I am 

 recruiting my resources for a movement into the interior of the hills, 

 in which I shall follow Wilcox's route, taking with me 15 coolies, 

 for whom I am collecting grain. I have already made considerable 

 collections, chiefly however in Botany, with a few stones and birds. 

 I hope before my return to have seen Coptis teeta in flower, 

 and to have proved that the Beese is different from that of Nepal. 

 I have already seen numbers of the Mishmees who are civil people. 

 I have however had great difficulties with the Chief of the Khond, 

 who though apparently friendly, will, I fear, do all he can to hinder 

 me from getting to Ghaloom, with the Gham of which place I 

 wish to have a conference." 



Noa Diking Mookh: January 20th, 1837. 

 " I have just returned from the trip to the Lohit much sooner 

 than I expected. I saw nothing of any consequence except rapids 

 which are horrid things, and make one quite nervous. I made a 

 beautiful collection on the Mishmee mountains, of which more anon. 

 Many of the plants are very interesting. I was however worked very 

 hard, all my people being sick : I had even to wash my own clothes, 

 but I fear you will think I am grumbling : so good-bye." 



c 



