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If, as seen, we are but imperfectly acquainted with the external geological features of this tract, we cannot pretend to any knowledge of its internal mineral resources. Fat gases issue from parts of the range near Kubbo, and that these have been seen on fire, I have been informed, but whiter these gases issue from coal, or have some other cause, has not been ascertained. Gold is said to have been found in the Valley of Munnipore, washed down, it was supposed, from the mountains, and two lumps of that metal are said to have been procured from amongst the Loohoopas, but the northern tribes deny the fact, and there is doubt whether cupidity has not magnified some substance of small value into a precious one. Iron is the metal most prized amongst the tribes, but of its existence as an ore, none of them are aware, and they derive their supplies of it from Munnipore, Kubbo, and Cachar. Gold has no value amongst them, and not long ago the Gnameis even, who are distinguished for their trading energy did not know the value of silver. Amongst the northern tribes, brass and bell-metal are prized of brass they wear collars, and have discs of bell-metal on their head dresses, but where they came from originally they known not. And among the remaining tribes gongs and other articles of bell-metal are found, but whence they have come they are equally ignorant. |
