near the circumference of the very dense cellular tissue of which the
axis is chiefly composed. Towards the base it is enveloped in an oblique
dense mass of intermottled rigid fibres (roots) which, as they are
developed in the greatest extent, the nearer they approach the base, give
the trunk a conical form. Their growth is essentially endogenous, and
will probably be found when examined aborigine to approximate to that of
Cycadeae, although these last are of a more exogenous than endogenous
nature. Nothing however is known of the growth of Palms, Cycadeae, or
tree ferns. I have above alluded to the calcareous rocks or cliffs;
these are of the same formation with those that occur so abundantly on
the Tenasserim coast, although they are much more rich in vegetation.
These I first saw at Terrya Ghat; like those of Burmah they abound in
caves, and assume the most varied and picturesque forms; they appear to
be the head quarters of Cyrthandraceae, of which we found a noble species
with the flower of a Martynia growing among the tree-ferns. They are
very rich in ferns and mosses, of which last near the tree-ferns I
gathered four species of four genera without moving a foot. The cliffs
in which, or at the foot of which the coal is found, bound the Churra
cantonments to the Westward. These are chiefly calcareous. The entrance
to Churra lies between this and the precipice at Moosmai. Very few
animals of any description are to be seen about Churra. I have seen one
small species of deer, about half as large again as the mouse-deer of
Mergui, and one young flying squirrel of a greyish black colour, with a
very bushy tail. Leopards are, they say, not uncommon. Tigers do not
generally come so high. Of birds, I mean about Churra, there are several
species of hawks, and their old companions crows and swallows; but I have
seen no sparrows, which is singular enough. There is one beautiful
species of jay, with crimson-orange beak and legs, and a pretty
king-fisher; but, except perhaps in the valleys, birds, I should say, are
very scarce. With respect to shooting, scarcely any is to be had; wood-
cocks are found in the dells about Churra, but sparingly. I have seen
only one snipe and one quail.

Regarding the natives, I have little to say. They are a stout-built,
squat, big-legged hill tribe: the women in regard to shape being exactly
like their mates; and as these are decidedly ugly--somewhat tartarish-
looking people, v