Bhotan, if not m Sikkim itse lf: especially if, at the
Rajah s death, the British government should refuse
to take the country under their protection. The
Singtam Soubah and the other culprits live disgraced
at their homes. Tchebu Lama has received a handsome
reward, and a grant of land at Dorjiling, where
he resides, and whence he sends me his salaams by
every opportunity.
d ew a n ’s e a r -r in g .
CHAPTER XXVII.
Leave Dorjiling for Calcutta—Jung Bahadoor—Dr. Falconer—Improvements
in Botanic Gardens— Palmetum—Victoria— Amherstia—
Orchids spread by seed—Banyan—Importation of American plants in
ice—Return to Dorjiling—Leave with Dr. Thomson for the Khasia
mountains—Mahanuddee river—Vegetation of banks—Maldah—
Alligators—Rampore-Beauleah—Climate of Ganges—Pubna—Jummul
river—Altered course of Burrampooter and Megna—Dacca—Conch-
shells—Saws—Cotton muslins—Fruit—Vegetation—Rose of Bengal—
Burrampooter—Delta of Soormah river—Jheels—Soil—Vegetation—
Navigation—Mosquitos—Effects of geological changes—Imbedding of
plants—Teelas or islets—Chattuc—Salubrious climate—Rains —
Canoes—Pundua—Terrya Ghat—Ascent to Churra—Scenery and
vegetation at foot of mountains—Cascades.
I was chiefly occupied during January and February
of 1850, in arranging and transmitting my collections
to Calcutta, and in completing my manuscripts,
maps, and surveys. My friend Dr. Thomson having
joined me here, for the purpose of our spending a
year in travelling and botanising together, it became
necessary to decide on the best field for our pursuits.
Bhotan offered the most novelty, but it was inaccessible
to Europeans; and we therefore turned our
thoughts to Nepal, and, failing that, to the Khasia
mountains.
The better to expedite our arrangements I made a
M 3