44 



MISHMEE MOUNTAINS. 



Nov. 26th. — This morning the atmosphere being beautifully trans- 

 parent, very high land plentifully sprinkled with snow was visible to 

 the N. W. by W., and to the N. W. a slight peep of the Himalayas 

 was gained. Started at 9, and commenced the ascent ; we arrived at 

 our halting place at 11^. The greater part of the march was a 

 steep ascent through dry woods, the ground being very slippery 

 owing to the leaves. Bucklandia occurs in abundance and of a large 

 size, and attains a much greater height than Sedgwickia : found 

 many interesting plants and a small Conifera, probably an Araucaria 

 or a Taxus. 



I continued the ascent until about 12, but the scene had totally 

 changed ; the whole face of the mountain on the S. side being entirely 

 destitute of trees, and in many places quite naked. The ascent was 

 not very difficult, and occupied a little more than an hour. This ac- 

 clivity is chiefly occupied by Graminea, all past flowering, all adhering 

 very firmly to the rock, which is quartzose and greyish blue out- 

 side, excessively angular : Gentianese 2 : a beautiful Campanula, 

 Hypericum, Viburnum, Spiraea, Bryum Neckera, Pteris, Scabiosa, 

 some Compositae, one or two Vaccinioidea, and a curious shrubby Ru- 

 biacea evidently a Serissa, were observed. The top, which represents 

 a ridge, is partially wooded, the trees being the continuation or 

 rather termination of the jungle that covers the whole northern face 

 of the mountain. Here I saw Bucklandia, a Pomacea, Crawfurdia, 

 Deutzia, Cynaroidea, Viburna 2, some ferns. Brachymeum, Neckera, 

 Lichens several : a Caryophyllea and a Berberis. 



All these were somewhat stunted. The various views were beau- 

 tiful, embracing a complete panorama, but unfortunately obscured 

 towards Lama by trees. The Lohit was seen extensively from the 

 Koond to Ghaloom's, and to the plains to an immense distance. 

 The whole range of Abor Hills and a great portion of the Naga, 

 some of which appeared very high, were likewise seen : to the S. E. 

 high ridges not far distant and covered with snow, limited the view ; 

 slight snow was visible on the peak seen from Suddiya. The descent 

 was very tedious owing to the excessive slipperiness of the grass : it 

 was dangerous, because a slip would have frequently dashed you to 

 pieces, and in all cases would have hurt one severely. 



Nov. 27th. — Descended to Yen : near our halting place we gather- 

 ed a fine Pomacea arborea in fruit : a Symplocos, and observed 

 Wallichioideae and Calamus. The plants of the greatest interest 

 gathered were an Acer, and Epilobium, a Hoya grandiflora, Eurya, 



