THE CALCUTTA MONTHLY JOURNAL. ASIATIC NEWS. 1338. ARRACAN. Aeng, 20th Dec. 1837.-In entering on the subject of my present communication, I am not ignorant that a very able and excellent report on our eastern frontier has been written by Capt. Pemberton, and was published on a limited scale at the expense of the Supreme Government in 1835. It is, therefore, with extreme diffidence, I venture my crude observations before the eye of criticism. The only value, I may flatter myself, that is likely to be felt for my" pencillings by the way," is the novelty they possess. It is probable that no description of the pass of Aeng has appeared in print since the publication of Capt. P.'s report, and it is on this supposition I send you the communication in hand. most respectable appearance and the best bazar. The Soggree is himself a Shan, and all the Shan itinerant merchants bring their goods to the market of the new village, instead of to the old as formerly. The site is, of course, more convenient for all traffickers coming from the east; it not only saves them a trifling distance, but the passage of the river. Here we paid a visit to the Soggree, whose person and establishment deserves to be honoured by an elongated paragraph, much more prolix than his worship is likely to receive from me however, I shall expend a line or two on him, and proceed on my jouney. My friend the Soggree, as I have stated, being a native of the Shan country on the north-east frontier of Burmah, has much the appearance of a Chinese. Though venerable from apparent age, his person is ri During my progress I took daily notes of every thing worth recording, and, knowing general taste is never satisfied by a mere route description, the physical character-diculous; he looks more like a skeleton vivant than a istics of a country, I have endeavoured to blend the amu sing with the useful, thus designing the captivation of readers of every calibre. man (as one in authority should be) prone to obesity. He has further the misfortune to possess but one eye, which gives his cadaverous visage a most grotesque exThose few who have already perused or have in pos-heaven above, the earth beneath, or the waters unpression, resembling nothing that I know of either in session Captain Pemberton's description of this celebrated ler the earth; but if I could not help smiling at the pass, will, I have no doubt, grant me an especial in dulgence, and I beg them particularly to consider me, in figure the man in office displayed, I was not the less reference to the captain, as a cockleshell following in the pleased by his activity in procuring us tattoos for the wake of a seventy-four. However, if I cannot be so in-Journey: this being our principal object in paying him a visit. Whilst the old gentleman was thus usefully structive, my style of description may be more pleasing employing himself in our behalf, I could not but regard to the general mass of newspaper readers, than it is pos-with admiration the commanding presence of his lady, sible for on official report to government to render his; who strutted about to and fro with the dignified demeahe must walk steadily the plank. I may vault from nour of a Lady Mayoress, little suspecting the sly flirtaearth to heaven, digress from this point to that, "without tion carried on betwixt his daughter, a damsel of promise, any circumstantion whatever," as Mr. Weller senior has and a gentleman who shall be nameless. At length the it. But a truce with thy nonsense to thy notes, Oh! tattoos were brought, the one for Lhad the semblance Mugh. of an ancient European saddle on its back; that destined On the 12th of Dec. L—and your correspondent for your humble servant was equipped, according to the left Aeng and proceeded on foot towards Jeddinchakain, most approved primitive, or antideluvian style, on each the first halting place en route to the Yoomadong moun-do the office of stirrups, the base of whose angles I could side dangled two rusty implements probably intended to taius. cover with the breadth of three fingers, and so unsatisfactory was the tout ensemble that I did not on the present occasion attempt to mount, rather preferring to pad the hoof or mount the elephant which accompanied us. Accordingly, we again pushed forward as we had come, for L-was as much inclined to walk as myself. Our camp consisted (coolies included) of near 150 men. The cooley of this country is generally of the Keyn tribe, and as coolies they are very useful, neither bullock, nor wheeled vehicle of any kind being procurable. The road for about a mile runs through partially cleared jungle, among which the gurjun and jarool trees flourish as grandees of the forest. After completing this The road on this march runs over tolerably level distance, we crossed the Aeng river by a bamboo bridge. ground, but two bridges are required to replace those The river here was not fordable, and the tattoos were now in decay over two small nullahs, whose banks are obliged to swim half the distance across; in width it ap-very precipitous. The road, generally speaking, was peared about 100 yards. On the right bank is situated good, but impracticable for wheeled carriages for want the new village of Aeng, by Captain Pemberton deno- of bridges over the nullah above noted. We crossed minated Yodoweet, but I could find no native who the Aeng river by a bridge similar to that at the new knew the place by this name, they all call it upper or village of Aeng, at a place called Zademow ghaut, but REVIEW OF THE CALCUTTA MARKET. INDIGO. The market now evinces considerable animation, and purchasers finding that the holders will not give way, have been buying pretty freely at the recent sales, where prices have ranged from similar rates to five rupees advance on the previous currency. The continued drought is much against the sowings for the coming season, and loud complaints of want of rain are coming in from Tirhoot and all the upper provinces. chases have been made during the week for shipments to Liverpool. SHELL LAC.- Very little yet doing for the English market, and we have no change in prices to notice. The purchases reported are principally on American account. LAC DYE.-Dull of sale, and prices continue low. DRY GINGER-Remains at last week's currency. The transactions reported, are for France and America. HIDES AND HORNS-Are in limited enquiry, and RAW SILK-Prices are giving way and there is very little enquiry for the article, the exports to Great Britain have however been extremely heavy since the com-operations are confined to a few parcels to America. mencement of the year. The stock in the market is large, and prices are giving way. OIL SEEDS.-A few transactions in linseed continue SILK PIFCE GOODS.-No amendment has yet been remarked on the quality of corahs, and until that is the case they promise no good in English markets. The to be made; but prices have experienced a slight fall prices of the assortment remain as reported in our last. COTTON.-Without enquiry, and remains without al teration. SALTPETRE. From the limited operation consequent on the scarcity of tonnage, and the accumulation of a large stock in the market, prices continue to give way The transactions reported, are principally on French and American accounts. SUGAR-Is also in limited enquiry, but we have no change to notice on our last quotations. A few pur since our last. SAFFLOWER-Without enquiry, and remains without any change in price. GRAIN. The scarcity of tonnage, has suspended operations in rice, and the prices of the day are reported at a decline on Patna, Patchery and Moonghy rice. OPIUM. So little of the new drug remains in the hands of the Bazar speculators for sale on the spot, that prices are quite nominal. Old Benares has declined considerably, and is in fact unsaleable on any terms. THE CALCUTTA MONTHLY JOURNAL. ASIATIC NEWS. 1338. ARRACAN. Aeng, 20th Dec. 1837.-In entering on the subject of my present communication, I am not ignorant that a very able and excellent report on our eastern frontier has been written by Capt. Pemberton, and was published on a limited scale at the expense of the Supreme Government in 1835. It is, therefore, with extreme diffidence, I venture my crude observations before the eye of criticism. The only value, I may flatter myself, that is likely to be felt for my " pencillings by the way," is the novelty they possess. It is probable that no description of the pass of Aeng has appeared in print since the publication of Capt. P.'s report, and it is on this supposition I send you the communication in hand. most respectable appearance and the best bazar. The Soggree is himself a Shan, and all the Shan itinerant merchants bring their goods to the market of the new village, instead of to the old as formerly. The site is, of course, more convenient for all traffickers coming from the east; it not only saves them a trifling distance, but the passage of the river. Here we paid a visit to the Soggree, whose person and establishment deserves to be honoured by an elongated paragraph, much more prolix than his worship is likely to receive from me however, I shall expend a line or two on him, and proceed on my jouney. My friend the Soggree, as I have stated, being a native of the Shan country on the north-east frontier of During my progress I took daily notes of every thing Burmah, has much the appearance of a Chinese. worth recording, and, knowing general taste is never sa- Though venerable from apparent age, his person is ritisfied by a mere route description, the physical character-diculous; he looks more like a skeleton vivant than a istics of a country, I have endeavoured to blend the amusing with the useful, thus designing the captivation of readers of every calibre. a visit. man (as one in authority should be) prone to obesity. He has further the misfortune to possess but one eye, which gives his cadaverous visage a most grotesque exThose few who have already perused or have in pos-heaven above, the earth beneath, or the waters unpression, resembling nothing that I know of either in session Captain Pemberton's description of this celebrated der the earth; but if I could not help smiling at the pass, will, I have no doubt, grant me an especial in- figure the man in office displayed, I was not the less dulgence, and I beg them particularly to consider me, in reference to the captain, as a cockleshell following in the pleased by his activity in procuring us tattoos for the wake of a seventy-four. However, if I cannot be so in journey: this being our principal object in paying him Whilst the old gentleman was thus usefully structive, my style of description may be more pleasing employing himself in our behalf, I could not but regard to the general mass of newspaper readers, than it is pos- with admiration the commanding presence of his lady, sible for on official report to government to render his; who strutted about to and fro with the dignified demeahe must walk steadily the plank. I may vault from nour of a Lady Mayoress, little suspecting the sly flirtaearth to heaven, digress from this point to that," without tion carried on betwixt his daughter, a damsel of promise, any circumstantion whatever," as Mr. Weller senior has and a gentleman who shall be nameless. At length the it. But a truce with thy nonsense to thy notes, Oh! tattoos were brought, the one for Lhad the semblance Mugh. of an ancient European saddle on its back; that destined On the 12th of Dec. L-and your correspondent for your humble servant was equipped, according to the left Aeng and proceeded on foot towards Jeddinchakain, most approved primitive, or antideluvian style, on each the first halting place en route to the Yoomadong moun-do the office of stirrups, the base of whose angles I could side dangled two rusty implements probably intended to tains. Our camp consisted (coolies included) of near 150 men. The cooley of this country is generally of the Keyn tribe, and as coolies they are very useful, neither bullock, nor wheeled vehicle of any kind being procurable. The road for about a mile runs through partially cleared jungle, among which the gurjun and jarool trees flourish as grandees of the forest. After completing this distance, we crossed the Aeng river by a bamboo bridge. The river here was not fordable, and the tattoos were obliged to swim half the distance across; in width it appeared about 100 yards. On the right bank is situated the new village of Aeng, by Captain Pemberton denominated Yodoweet, but I could find no native who knew the place by this name, they all call it upper or cover with the breadth of three fingers, and so unsatis- The road on this march runs over tolerably level ground, but two bridges are required to replace those now in decay over two small nullahs, whose banks are very precipitous. The road, generally speaking, was good, but impracticable for wheeled carriages for want of bridges over the nullah above noted. We crossed the Aeng river by a bridge similar to that at the new village of Aeng, at a place called Zademow ghaut, but a small village peopled by expatriated Burmans. On in many parts forming an arch over the road, which was the line of road, I observed wild plantains and a saturated with dew dripping from the foliage above. creeper resembling, in all but the aroma, the hop. On We now seemed to have left what little civilization we the breasts of the hills adjacent, grew a considerable had before seen, entirely behind us, for only a single Kyen portion of bamboo mixed with jungle tree of various but perched here and there on the side of a hill, partially kinds, though no other particular change showed cleared of its bamboos and other jungle, was to be ob itself on the general features of the country. About served the whole of this march. We passed two steep a mile and a half in advance of Zademow, we again ghauts, one at an encamping ground called Peenozukan, found the river crossing our path at a place bearing the the other immediately on our approach to Surrowah, appellation of Khongwa Zukan. Here we exalted besides two small hill streams, whose banks were very ourselves on the elephant, there being no bridge, but muddy and precipitous. From Peenozukan we enjoyed the river was not deeper than two or three feet over an extensive view of the hills around us, embellished this passage. About two miles from this place we with all the beauty of light and shade derived from the reached our halting ground, Zennet Chakain, where lustre of a rising sun. I had mounted the elephant at a shed has been erected capable of receiving and the foot of the last hill that intervened 'twixt us and our giving shelter to perhaps one hundred men. journey's end, but found the descent so very precipitous own legs for the slippery adventure of descending; the on arriving at its summit, that I preferred trusting my hill being of a red, firm, clay soil, was of considerable advantage, or I might have gone down considerably faster than would have been desirable. At the foot of the descent, we crossed the Surrowah river by a bamboo part where the bridge was erected more than four feet bridge, though it was fordable, being no where over the if quite so deep. The river runs close by, and a bathe after our journey being determined on, we enjoyed ourselves luxuriously, for the water was clear as crystal, and as cold as we could conveniently bear it. On the reverse side was a high rockey bank, overhung by a luxuriant vegetation, which gratefully shielded us from the rays of the sun. The encamping ground is (including the space covered by the she,) not larger than two hundred men can con veniently bivouac on. At noon the thermometer was 90° in the sepoys' pall and 85 under the shed. Feeling the heat rather unpleasent, we made a retreat into the jungle for the purpose of enjoying a little refrigeration, but were soon driven out again by an army of musquitos, who seemed desirous to monopolize the shade themselves to the exclusion of all intruders. We were now beyond the influence of the tide, and as the old village of Aeng is forty-five miles from the mouth of the river, I expect the tide, excepting at spring, dogs not flow many miles above. As it was here I first made the observation, I may as well describe some peculiarities regarding the Kyens, who acted as our coolies. They are a hill tribe and little better than savages; however, they are very useful in carrying burthens up and down hills where men of the plains find a difficulty in carrying themselves. Every article that can be put in a basket is carried in one of an oblong formation, having a loop fixed to the top made of split cane, and a strip of split cane goes round the centre, the former, the Kyen puts over his head, fixing it round his temples, while he fastens the ends of the strip below round his waist, this keeps the basket in a firm and proper position, and gives the man the free use of his hands while travelling. Other articles such as tents, beds, &c. are either slung on a bamboo or carried on a kind of bamboo ladder, supported by two or more men according to the weight. This brought us to Sorrowah or Thorrowah, as it is pronounced by the natives. Here the Arracan locals have a post for the protection of the inland trade between Arracan and the countries ultra the Yoomadong Mountains. A number of Shan travelling merchants were here on our arrival, and I made some trifling purchases of cloth, twenty-five hauts for the rupee, and of Shan pawn boxes at one rupee each; these are japanned, with fast, or pucka colors, and are bathing place here I thought preferable to that at perfectly pliable to the pressure of the hand. The Zeunetchakain where the rough pebbles form an uncomfortable footing; here the bottom was composed more of fine sand than pebbles. old detachment by the new, and right glad were the Here I relieved the former to leave the jungle, some having been located here upwards of two years. I found ten sick; these were permitted to proceed in dingies to Aeng; the river being navigable as far as the Thorrowah, by small boats of this kind, at this season of the year. have ended my labors and have returned, but for circumstances which it behoveth me not to mention; at least I am not aware I am at liberty to make public the reason of my advancing further towards the frontier. Thermometer at noon 88°. Here I should 14th.-Thermometer at 4 A.M. 72°, altitude of Thorrowah 147 feet: march at daylight accompanied by a guard of 1 havildar, 1 naick, and twelve sepoys, for our especial protection through the dangerous country As soon as night began to approach, I noticed the sim-countered a hill that set us all piping, and before [ we had to pass. At the very commencement, we enple people making a shed for themselves from the bamboo covered by its leaves, to arrest the heavy dew that invariably falls in this climate. This would be the best plan for sepoys when marching in this country; to sup: pose a tent can be carried for au army of any size, would be entirely out of the question. The coolies receive here three annas a day, so high is labour on account of the thin population of the province. The encamping ground here is capable of being made available for a regiment, sup posing we bivouac and bring no tents, or at least do not pitch any. The jungle is not of such a nature, but that if every man carried a dow or axe of the coun try he might soon cut a convenient place to esconce himself in for the night; and, in marching a regiment through this province, it would be desirable that every man should carry a dow on his knapsack it seems to be a sine qua non among the people of the province. At sun-set the thermometer was at 72°. : 13th.-Two hours before sunrise ther. at 62°; marched at day break for Surrowah, supposed distance eight miles. reached its brow I was too glad to ascend the re-mount instead of walking she bent on each knee at every step on the elephant, who was sorely put to it herself, for upwards. There were but few trees of any size to be nant every where. About half way on our descent of seen on this portion of the road, bamboo being predomithis vast branch from the great line of the Yoomadong mountains, we crossed a hill rivulet well situated to refresh cattle and the wayward traveller. After the fatigue of the ascent on either side, crossing this small stream, we still kept descending for half a mile, when we had another steep ascent before us; indeed these road on every march, excepting that we had more of the ascents and descents formed the principle features of the former than the latter to plod over, ascending on an noticed on this march, both on high ground, but no average one foot in twenty. Two halting places were water, excepting at considerable distances below; on these places grew a few trees, but bamboo Jungle aborbed the sight as far as the eye could reach. At the had a very extensive and magnificent view of the hills,, find the road little better than a watercourse or ravine, including parts of the Yoomadong principal range. intercepted occasionally by blocks of sand-stone of conThe road on this march in many parts was excessive-siderable gravity; on the summit of this elevation is a ly narrow, not more than two or three yards wide in large open space capable of encamping a brigade, but many places. Much clearing is requisite, and my pro- no water nearer than from whence we came below, or gress on the elephant was considerably retarded by probably at the foot of the hill, in front, among the branches of trees and bamboos intercepting the passage. ravines formed by the inferior roots of the great emiOn the descent from Mengzukon, we met about 100 nences around. The road from this point is much better, Jaden bullocks, going to Aeng with merchandize from and no considerable descent is made. Our old friends, the Shan country, which lies on the north-east frontier the bamboos, we now remarked, became scarce, and of Burmah. The cattle were in fine condition, but superceded by fine forest trees at about three miles from the loads did not appear heavy, and it is usual for the Waddi. And now, Mr. Editor, while we traverse about conductors of this trade to be ten or eleven hours on a two miles of tolerably level road, let us discourse of the common stage of ten miles; they make it a custom to sporting qualities of the country, Until we had attained rest at almost every convenient spot to smoke, &c. and this point, our guns had not once reverberated among the that they may always stop when they are inclined, they hills, or startled silent nature by a report. This march, take the necessary precaution of carrying water with however, we took the precaution of leading or heading them in large hollow bamboos, tied in hundles of three our small and trusty band, making the baggage follow in or five; these they take in such quantities as to serve for the rear, supported by a naick and four. We had just themselves and cattle for at least as many rests as they cleared the brow of the hill, when we espied a gallant require, where water, as on this road, is a scarce article. cock strutting on the verge of the road, but the gaily About half past eight, arrived at Guatcha or Netzazukan, plumaged hero was wide awake to the villainous effect of on the ridge of a connecting link overlooked by a steep the saltpetre compound, and after a vain pursuit we adascent, on whose summit a large encamping ground is vanced gun in hand. Alas! there was little use in this, found, but we preferred for our small party the lower for the only birds that fell in our way afterwards, were ground, on account of the water being nearer. Descend- four chikores, one of which I sent ever the precipice far ing to the right, I found the spring. Very little water into deep jungle, where no mortal foot e'er had or could was procurable, but were the rock, which is of a soft have trod, save for his own protection. A sportman on slate, scraped, and a cistern formed, enough water would this road had better leave his gun in case, for although be found for the cattle of a consilerable camp. A there are a few fowls and chickores, yet the thick jungle temporary dam of mud and bamboos alone partially re-and the steepness of the hills on every side almost pretained a very small pool at the foot of the spring The vents the possibility of bagging. On leaving the bamwater for our own use we caught from a split bamboo thrust into the fissure, from whence this valuable element issued, or rather dribbled: by this means we increased the flow, and at the same time avoided the contamination we must have incurred by drinking the water from the muddy pool below, into which one of our niggers uncere-shrubs from whose white bulbs I pressed a number of moniously trod, disturbing the secreted sediment at the bottom; to say nothing of the agreeable tincture his foot must have given so small a body of aqueous fluid. The descent to this spring is of necessity serpentine in formation, and a mere foot-path through the bamboos, its distance from the road may be computed at about 200 yards. Distance of Guatcha from Sorrowali computed at about five miles. Not even a Keyn hut visible, or one resident inhabitant since leaving Thorrowal. Thermo meter at noon 84, altitude above the sea according to Pemberton, 1,476 feet. boos, we got into a more open jungle, and gradually into a magnificent forest, the altitude of many of the noble trees we saw was immense. Most of these were on the side of the Nodong mountain, around whose colossal form our circuit lay. I here note some angiospermous black round seeds. I regret I have not brought any with me, as the odour of the plant was very agreeable. Here also we made acquaintance with a variety of mosses encasing the trunks of trees and clothing stones with their verdure. A species of palm tree was here discernible. My geological notes only refer to the nature of the road itself, and that part of the soil which was exposed on the side of each hill around which the road has been cut; at this height about 3,000 feet, in a depth of incision of about four feet, a stratum resembling fuller's earth embraced another of the depth of two feet, Start at about three P.M. and proceed as far as consisting of ferruginous soil, winged with slate approxWaddai or Waddat, immediately at the base of the this slate rock, by exposure to the air, had become of a imating the appearance of coal; detached masses of ascent on leave ig Guatcha, a fall of the hill above has lighter complexion. The road requires much clearing, taken place, carrying part of the road with it, and rea- the trunks of several trees now lying across it, incondering the passage unsafe, or apparently so for anvenience the traveller very considerably. On reaching elephant, our's however managed so well as to get by the highest part of Nodong, we began to breath much without falling down the precipice on the left. The road must be cut farther into the side of the hill to make it secure, or on the first shower the mere foot-path now remaining will assuredly descend into the deep ravine below. The ascent after the first part became more gra lual, the road running round the shoulder of the vast hill we were advancing over; the road was tolerable and passable for artillery excepting at the place above mentioned, where a new road of about fifty or sixty yards must be made. Arrived at Waddai about five o'clock, visited the spring which is on the right of the road; more abundant than at Guatcha, but a greater distance by 100 yards. that we had attained a considerable elevation above the pure air, and it was evident to our sense of respiration, close jungle of the minor hills. Here too, we enjoyed a more extensive view than hitherto, shut in only on northand the cone of our supporting heigth, which intercepted east by the still greater altitude of the Yoomadong range the picture to the south-west. After resting here awhile, impracticable for artillery in its present state, but capable we made a considerable descent over a very bad road of being made available ar no great expense of "time or labor. After overcoming all obstacles without any accident Our ground was on the road, as most of the encamp-occurring, a gently rising ground brought us to the foot ing places are; before us for our especial comfort and of Natyagain or Naregain, at a halting place called contemplation, we had the view of a steep ascent, upon Karowke, at an elevation of 3,165 feet above the level of whose steep and rugged sides it would behove us to wend the sea. Here we found water and a better ground for our way on the following morning. Face of the country, our camp than that generally used, by making a descent covered with bamboo unlimited to sight. to our left; here we were within 100 yards of the spring which issued from the interstices of the magnificent 15th.-Thermometer daylight 64°: commence our |