Lastly, the priests, of whom there were about six.

These were the best clothed and best mounted, and evinced satisfactory tokens of being corporeally well off.  Their dress consisted of a sombre jacket with no sleeves, with either a yellow or red silk back, over this is a sombre scarf.  They are great beggars, and the headman was well pleased with a present of four rupees.  In return, he gave P. two, B. and myself each one paper of salt, similar to those given to the lookers-on.

The ponies were all poor, excepting two or three of the Rajah’s own, which were handsomely equipped; these had their tails raised on end, exactly like hobby-horses.  In addition to this, each was supplied with supernumerary yak tails, one on either side.

The whole people collected did not amount to more than 300.  The arms, at least were wretched, consisted of culverins, which went off with an enormous report, and matchlocks with short rests, like the end of a pitchfork.  The bows were long and good.  The helmets were worn on the head when going and coming, but were allowed to sling on the back while resting here; they are rude iron things, like bowls, but covered for some way up the sides with cloth in a most unbecoming way.  Dirt and noise were predominant; the dancing women, evidently not what they should be, had clean faces, but horridly dirty feet, and were very plain.  The dancing was poor, consisting chiefly of ungraceful motions of the hands and forearms; the singing pleasing, harmonious but monotonous.

A peculiar kind of spirit called Chonghoons is in great requisition:  this liquor is pleasant, perfectly clear like whiskey and water, with a small matter of malt in it.

Fumaria is found here much more advanced than that at Bulphai, Drymaria ovata.  They cultivate one sort of Legume, perhaps more; mangoes, jacks and pomegranates; all these trees bear fruit towards the end of the hot weather.  A young mango tree was observed with opposite leaves, uppermost pair one abortive nearly:  thus the Mariam of Burma, may probably present the normal form of foliation. Adoee fish {227} found in the Monass.

Bheirs, papia, tobacco, banyan, of these last, poor specimens may be seen here.  The place is miserably poor, and as it is reckoned one of some importance, its condition shows the barrenness of the country.  The Rajah’s house is a large one, apparently consisting of a quadrangle with an elevated story.  News arrived yesterday to the effect that tumults still prevailed:  the Deb it was said had been deposed by treachery:  that a new one had been permanently appointed:  but that the usurper did not wish us to come on.  Tongsa, however, said that after we have come so far, we should advance, and that we may settle our plans at his place.