Noticed Jenkinsia near Laee Panee, and some gigantic specimens of Pentaptera, the Hool-look of the Assamese, the timber of which is used for large canoes; and Lagerstraemia grandiflora occurs on the banks of the Kussin Panee.

CHAPTER III.

Revisits the Tea Localities in the Singphoo and Muttack Districts, Upper Assam.

Dec. 2nd.—­Returned to Jingsha via Kussin Panee, or river, and Karam Panee, the march being a tolerably easy one.  Found along the steep banks of the former a fine Meniscium, frondibus 6-8 pedalibus, and an arborescent Polypodium, caudice 12-15 pedali, partibus novellis densissime ferrugineo-tomentosis; frondibus subtus glauco-albidis.  The caudex is altogether similar in structure to that of Alsophyla, equally furnished with strong black bristly radicles towards its base.

Dec. 3rd.—­Left for Husa Gam’s about 9, and arrived at the village which is on the Kampai of the Singfos, Tup-pai of the Mishmees about 4.5 P.M.  The first part of our march was to the E. up the Karam, we then traversed for a long way heavy jungle in a S. direction, and then came on the dry bed of the Kampai, up which we ascended to the village.  Found a Ruellioidea, Cyananthus, mihi. Oom of the Assamese, with which the Kamptees dye their black blue cloths.  Noticed an arborescent Araliacea inermis, foliis supra decomposita; panicule patentissima.  The Husa Gam treated us very handsomely forming a striking contrast with the Mishmees; he declares positively that no tea exists in this direction; I shall therefore proceed direct from Luttora to Beesa.  Roxburghia occurred on the route.  The village is on the left bank of the river:  the direction from Jingsha’s being about N.W.

Dec. 4th.—­Reached Luttora after an easy march of three hours and a half, for the most part along an excellent path.  We passed the following villages en route Chibong, Wakon, Mtarm, and Mcyompsan:  three of which are of some size; none however so large as Nsas.  This is the largest Singfo village I have seen, and probably contains 400 people.  This village and all the others are situated on high ground, the ascent from the Kampai being probably 70 feet.  The country consists of level, apparently good soil, with here and there broadish ravines in which bamboos are abundant.  Cultivation is common, and of considerable extent.  On a similar eminence is situate Luttora, and it has been well chosen, for on both sides that I approached it, the ascent is steep and capable of being easily defended; the south side is bounded by the Ponlong Panee, which runs into the Tenga Panee.  If any ascent it is an easy one, and must be to the westward; to the north, there is a small stream, but neither this, Ponlong or Tenga are any thing but mere rills, which may be easily leaped over in the dry seasons.  Our route from Nsas was to the W. of south.  No stockades appear to exist in this quarter.