_November 1st_, 1836.

"I here write from the foot of the 'dreaded' Mishmee Hills. I left
Suddyah on the 15th October, and have already been to Bramakoond, where I
spent three days. I miss you much; you would have been delighted with
the place, which is nothing but rocks and hills. I am recruiting my
resources for a movement into the interior of the hills, in which I shall
follow Wilcox's route, taking with me 15 coolies, for whom I am
collecting grain. I have already made considerable collections, chiefly
however in Botany, with a few stones and birds. I hope before my return
to have seen Coptis teeta in flower, and to have proved that the Beese is
different from that of Nepal. I have already seen numbers of the
Mishmees who are civil people. I have however had great difficulties
with the Chief of the Khond, who though apparently friendly, will, I
fear, do all he can to hinder me from getting to Ghaloom, with the Gham
of which place I wish to have a conference."

* * * * *

_Noa Dihing Mookh_: _January 20th_,
1837.

"I have just returned from the trip to the Lohit much sooner than I
expected. I saw nothing of any consequence except rapids which are
horrid things, and make one quite nervous. I made a beautiful collection
on the Mishmee mountains, of which more anon. Many of the plants are
very interesting. I was however worked very hard, all my people being
sick: I had even to wash my own clothes, but I fear you will think I am
grumbling: so good-bye."

* * * * *

_Loodianah_: _11th December_, 1838.

"I arrived here in 14.5 days, notwithstanding some delays on the road,
and have put up with Cornet Robinson, Acting Political Agent. I am not
pleased with the up-country, and would rather live in Bengal, for I
cannot abide sandy plains and a deficiency of vegetation. Loodianah is a
curious place, very striking to a stranger, the town is large, built
under official direction, and consequently well arranged in comparison
with native towns: there is much trade carried on in it, and it has the
usual bustle of a large town.

"Capt. Wade's house is well situated on a rising ground, and the demesne
is a pretty one. Otherwise the country is ugly enough, and very bare,
yet it is here well wooded, in comparison with what I hear of Ferozepore.
Along the face of the hill near the town, a nullah flows, abounding in
fish, of which more anon.