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152 BIRMAH.
Owing to the narrowness of the channel in this part,
the stream is so rapid that oars are useless, and the
perpendicular banks afford no foot-path to track; it
is therefore necessary to impel the boat forward by
bamboo poles, in the use of which the Birmans are
very expert. The town of Peing-ghee, and that of
Sahlahdan, a little above it, export a great part of the
teak-timber that is carried to Rangoon. The forests
extend along on the western mountains, and are in
sight from the river. The trees are felled in the dry
season, and, when the monsoon sets in, are borne by
the torrents to these towns. Colonel Symes saw here
on the stocks, a ship of 400 tons burthen, building
for a Mussulman merchant of Surat. Ship and boat
building is here most actively carried on. The teaktree,
although it will grow on the plains, is a native of
the mountains. The forests, like most of the woody
and uncultivated parts of India, are extremely pesti-
"
ferous. An inhabitant of the champaign country
considers a journey thither, as almost inevitable
destruction. The wood-cutters are a particular class
of men, born and bred in the hills ;
but even these are
said seldom to attain longevity." The timber is sold
very cheap. A plank three inches thick, and from
sixteen to twenty feet long, may be purchased for a
tecal or about half a crown.
The scenery of the river in the approach to Prome
beautiful valley, in which is situated the town of Pohem-ghee.
The hills here make a bend to the westward, and send down
another branch of the river, forming a beautiful gorge or valley,
variegated with gentle risings : aU the flat grounds are cultivated
with paddy." Journal, pp. 24, 5. The precipitous hill above
mentioned, must be the rocky mountain referred to by Mr.
Judson, as exhibiting numerous sculptures on the face of the
rock ; but it is remarkable, that neither Col. Symes nor Captain
Cox should notice them.