Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The Neighbouring Countries | Page 5

and that he did not use his pen as
freely as he did his brush. When, in the name of all that is generous,
will great men think that true greatness consist in endeavouring to
make others more prominent than themselves?"
For some years before his death, Mr. Griffith would appear to have had
a presentiment that he would not be spared to complete the description
of all his collections. On one occasion, when enumerating those who
might contribute most efficiently to this object, in the event of its not
being permitted to himself, he writes:--
"I cannot however refrain from paying my tribute of respect to Mr.
George Bentham, the most industrious, perspicuous, and philosophical
Botanist who has systematically contributed to lessen the difficulties
under which Indian Botanists have generally suffered.
"There are a few others from whom the sincerity of friendship fully
warrants me in expecting every possible assistance: of these Dr. Wight
is already well known, and others are rising rapidly to fill, I hope, the
highest Botanical stations when these shall have been vacated by the
leviathans who now occupy them. Let not the cynic accuse me of
partiality when I mention the names of William Valentine, of Decaisne,
and C. M. Lemann."
He also delighted to speak and write in terms of the warmest regard of
those to whom he was indebted for facilities in his pursuits. To Lord
Auckland he invariably alluded in terms of the deepest
gratitude--"Under his Lordship's patronage" he remarks on one
occasion, "I have received such advantages as make me ashamed of the
little I have done, and which are constantly holding up before me my
deficiencies in many branches of enquiry connected with the
physiology and distribution of plants."

* * * * *
The following letters are quoted chiefly for the additional information
they afford on the subject of his travels and pursuits. His letters to
Botanists would of course be more important and interesting.
* * * * *
_Suddyah_: _16th September_, 1836.
"I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the cold weather, as on the 1st
of November I hope to accompany ----- to Ava, but in the meantime, I
intend proceeding in search of the tea plant to the Mishmee Hills,
especially about Bramakoond, where it is reported to grow. If I find it
there, I will endeavour to trace it up into the mountains, which form
due east of this an amphitheatre of high rugged peaks."
* * * * *
_November 1st_, 1836.
"I here write from the foot of the 'dreaded' Mishmee Hills. I left
Suddyah on the 15th October, and have already been to Bramakoond,
where I spent three days. I miss you much; you would have been
delighted with the place, which is nothing but rocks and hills. I am
recruiting my resources for a movement into the interior of the hills, in
which I shall follow Wilcox's route, taking with me 15 coolies, for
whom I am collecting grain. I have already made considerable
collections, chiefly however in Botany, with a few stones and birds. I
hope before my return to have seen Coptis teeta in flower, and to have
proved that the Beese is different from that of Nepal. I have already
seen numbers of the Mishmees who are civil people. I have however
had great difficulties with the Chief of the Khond, who though
apparently friendly, will, I fear, do all he can to hinder me from getting
to Ghaloom, with the Gham of which place I wish to have a
conference."
* * * * *

_Noa Dihing Mookh_: _January 20th_, 1837.
"I have just returned from the trip to the Lohit much sooner than I
expected. I saw nothing of any consequence except rapids which are
horrid things, and make one quite nervous. I made a beautiful
collection on the Mishmee mountains, of which more anon. Many of
the plants are very interesting. I was however worked very hard, all my
people being sick: I had even to wash my own clothes, but I fear you
will think I am grumbling: so good-bye."
* * * * *
_Loodianah_: _11th December_, 1838.
"I arrived here in 14.5 days, notwithstanding some delays on the road,
and have put up with Cornet Robinson, Acting Political Agent. I am not
pleased with the up-country, and would rather live in Bengal, for I
cannot abide sandy plains and a deficiency of vegetation. Loodianah is
a curious place, very striking to a stranger, the town is large, built under
official direction, and consequently well arranged in comparison with
native towns: there is much trade carried on in it, and it has the usual
bustle of a large town.
"Capt. Wade's house is well situated on a rising ground, and the
demesne is