Nov. 9th.—­Halted.  Went to the suspension bridge over the Lohit, which is about 60 yards across, or double the length of the one we crossed on the 7th.  The passage by Mishmees takes two, or two minutes and a half, requiring continued exertion the whole time, both by hands and feet, as above described.  Both banks are very steep, yet the natives are so confident of safety, that of this bridge only one cane is trustworthy.  Bathed in the river, which is very cold and deep, but comparatively quiet.

Nov. 10th.—­Went to the Lohit, gathered Cymbidium giganteum, two or three ferns, and a Rafflesia in its several stages.  I have not however yet seen the perfectly expanded flower, the natives do not know it, although it must be a sufficiently striking object, the alabastri before expansion are about the size of an orange.  Went to Ghaloom’s house, which is of great length, built of bamboos, raised high from the ground, divided into about twelve compartments, and containing 100 men, women, and children.

Nov. 11th.—­Left for Khosha Gams; crossed the Lohit on a raft, and left its banks at noon.  Followed the river for some distance, and then diverged towards the N.W. and reached Khosha at 3 P.M., the march owing to the heat was very fatiguing.  Found very few plants; noticed a flower of a Ternstroemiacea nearly allied to the genus Camellia, cor. rotat. lacin. reflexis, albis fauce carnea. stam. 00, epipet. anther. erectis-apice dehiscent, and of a large Hibiscus; the Caelogyne of the Koond was also found.  Two species of Castaneae occur in these woods, one with very stout thorns to its cupula, and not eatable fruit; the other has long slender prickles, and its fruit about the size of an acorn, is eatable, and not at all disagreeable.  On all the hills of any height with grassy tops Compositae are among the most striking forms.  Areca parva continues, Pentaptera, and Fici continue.  Saccharum Megala very abundant and fine.  Cupuliferae are becoming more abundant.  The roofs of the houses which are built of bamboo, are covered with the leaves of the Marantaceous genus—­capitulis densis lateralibus culmis I-foliosis.  Buddleia N’eemda and Callicarpa continue.

Want of means forms the only limit to the number of wives of a Mishmee.  A rich man who has at his disposal numerous cattle, etc, will give 20 mithuns; {35} but the wife appears to bring with her slaves, etc. as a return.  A poor man will get a wife for a pig.  Whatever the number of wives may be, each will have a separate khetee, (field) and each khetee has a separate granary.  All the wives live in the same house; in fact, one house forms the village.  Theft is punished by a fine inflicted by a meeting of all the Gams; if the fine is not paid, or the offender refuses to pay, he is slain in a general attack.  Murder is punished in the same way, but by a heavier fine:  adultery against the consent of the husband, or at least elopement, is punished by death; if with the consent of the husband, the delinquent is fined.  There appears to be no regular law of succession:  the favourite son succeeding without reference to age.