Owing to the avidity with which this product is sought after by the Chinese, it is highly desirable to ascertain whether it exists in Assam, which indeed is probably the case.  I believe it is reported to exist near Beesa; at any rate, blood-stone is found in this extremity of the valley of Assam, and this, in Chinese eyes, is of considerable value.  If the Serpentine is found, specimens should be sent to Mogoung.  As the Shan-Chinese are reported to be a most penurious race, a small reduction in the price below that of the Burmese, would suffice to divert the current of the trade into Assam.  Another interesting product, although of no value, exists in the shape of an Alkaline spring on the Sapiya Khioung, which hence derives its name.  The water of this spring bubbles up sparingly and quietly from under the rocky bed of the above mountain torrent, it is quite clear, of a decided and pure alkaline taste:  it is used by the natives for the purpose of washing, and it answers this remarkably well.  Of this interesting spring Mr. Bayfield took specimens for analysis.

Salt is procurable within a distance of three or four days from Kioukseik.

Vegetable products.—­Teak, and some of it is of a fine description, occurs both on the route between the Mogoung river and Kamein, as well as between Kamein and the Serpentine mines.  The natives do not however appear to cut it, probably owing to the want of water carriage.  Fine timber trees, nearly allied to the Saul, likewise occur on the road to the mines.

I met with the tea but once.  This occurred among the low hills dividing the Mogoung district from the valley of Hookhoong, close to the Dupai-beng-kheoung, or Tea tree Nullah.  There was no difference in the specimens brought to me from the plant of Assam, with the exception that the leaves were even larger than in the plant alluded to; it did not occur in abundance.  It exists I believe, in another place on this route, and among the same hills, but I did not succeed in procuring specimens.  Throughout both routes scarcely any cultivation was seen.  Between the Mogoung river and Mogoung town considerable portions of some low hills to the East, presented the appearance of clearings.  It must however be observed, that the appearance of clearings is a most fallacious ground on which to form an estimate of the population; 1st, owing to the habits of a nomadic population; 2ndly, because a spot once cleared, keeps up the appearance of a clearing for a long time; and 3rdly, because some particular spots are, from some local cause or other, exclusively inhabited by grasses, the prevalence of which will at a little distance always give one the idea of cultivation.