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5. As regards Laroot, the visit was especially interesting, and it is very gratifying to receive so reassuring a report of real progress so soon after the cessation of the disturbances.

The Colonial Secretary found the Assistant Resident busily engaged in laying out streets and building-lots, and was surprised to find many respectable and substantial houses already constructed, while materials for others were greatly in demand and being hourly and daily brought in. All around was an animated scene of industry and good fellowship where only a few weeks before there was nothing but misery, ruin, and bloodshed.

The road to the mines, which has been given over to the Goh Kwan Chinese, was in very fair order for carts along eight miles of its length, shops were rapidly being opened, and large bodies of men were engaged in re-opening the mines.

The Si-Kwan mines are situate about two miles further, and here also a small town- ship was forming rapidly, and it is anticipated that a few months hence this road also will be completed. The mines here are already at work, and, although a short time ago a deadly feud of some years' duration existed between these two factions, the Si-Kwan miners are now to be seen daily bartering at the shops or feeding at the eating-houses in the Gho-Kwan town.

The Chinese have already opened gardens, and even in these few weeks a fair supply of vegetables was available.

I feel sure that the results of our intervention at Laroot are eminently satisfactory, and that time alone is needed to render the district most prosperous and to develop its great resources.

6. From Laroot Mr. Birch and his party proceeded on elephants to Qualla Kangsor, on the Perak River, and thence down the river by boat; first, to Sengang, the residence of Rajah Yusup, and then to Blanja, where the ex-Sultan Ismail dwells.

The ex-Sultan himself was absent at one of his tin mines, but returned as soon as he heard of the arrival of the Colonial Secretary; and several interviews took place, at which he professed perfect readiness to give over the regalia to Sultan Abdullah, if the latter will only come to receive them. This, it is rumoured, Sultan Abdullah hesitates at present to do, feeling, probably, that their newly-established relations are not sufficiently cordial to induce him to seek for the present a closer intimacy; but I do not anticipate that I shall find any difficulty when I have eventually to deal with the question.

7. At Blanja Mr. Birch was not received very cordially, this village having become

the refuge of several freebooting Chiefs, who, driven from other States, thought that in the probable grievances of the ex-Sultan they saw a chance of future difficulties, by which they would benefit.

8. The party then proceeded to Batarabit, where the, Sultan Abdullah accorded them a most hospitable reception; and on the next day (the 3rd of May) Mr. Birch left Perak, and thus brought his journey to a conclusion,

9. The country in the interior of the State of Perak is described as one of the most picturesque scenery, and of surprising fertility.

Cattle are found in great abundance, the water in the streams is clear as crystal, and the population is numerous, healthy, and content.

At the villages on the river coffee was observed to grow well, and to yield a large supply of berries: and it is believed that the land on the eastern side of the Gunong Bubo range of hills would prove admirably adapted for its cultivation.

The natural water communications throughout are excellent, nor is the country, by

any means, a difficult one for road-making.

There is no lack of enterprize amongst the inhabitants, for tin mines are being extensively worked in several places by Malays, and it is said that the Chinese, who have hitherto been chary of entering Perak, will flock there in numbers as soon as a British Resident is appointed.

10. For this appointment the Sultan Abdullah is most anxious, and in this desire he is supported by his principal Chiefs. At present every Chief has a "squeezing” place on the river, where he levies black-mail from passing boats, and no sort of real Government exista. The Sultan and his Chiefs honestly wish to remedy this state of affairs, but they do not know how to set about any reform, and having no confidence in themselves, or in each other, they require a guiding hand to lead them.

11. The results of this tour may be considered to be satisfactory. The greatest courtesy and kindness were exhibited by the Chiefs and inhabitants of all the villages, except Blanja; and in the interior a good deal of curiosity was evinced by the natives, some of whom had never seen a white man before. The whole country traversed was at peace, and there is reason to anticipate that the appointment of British Residents will

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