Excerpt from Queensland Geographical Journal, Vol. 15: Including the Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, Queensland; 15th Session, 1899-1900

Ping along a narrow and precipitous path. The scenery was lovely, the water rushed along hemmed in between steep hills clothed with palms, plantains, tall forest trees, and all the wonderful luxuriance Of tropical vegetation. Before reaching the approximate frontier the most prominent feature is Doi Chieng Dow, a mountain which rises to the west out Of the plain, Showing to the north a precipitous face thousands Of feet in height. The village Of Chieng Dow is palisaded, and is the place whither witches are banished.

As we travelled north the people were more clothed and dirtier. The country was covered with jungle, which became much less dense where there were teak forests. The villages, very small and rare, were almost hidden in the jungle. A narrow pass, strewn with boulders and with precipitous rocks on the right hand, took us up to the watershed between the Me Ping and Salwin water systems. All along the route, wherever there had been some former encampment, were traces of little shrines or plaited bamboo devices to keep Off the devils. We found the village of Pong Pa Chem and others beyond the frontier quite deserted owing to recent political disturbances.

In consequence Of constant raids and the submission of the weaker state to the stronger neighbour, it is difficult to determine now the proper frontier. Our approach, when about two miles from Muang Tuen, was marked by the coming Of the mother Of the Governor to greet us, accompanied by a retinue Of brilliantly-dressed attendants.

Three days' march brought us to Muang Sat, where the party was joined by a commissioner from Chieng Tong; he complained bitterly Of his fate, both on account Of his age, and also through fear lest he should do anything to displease his chief, who is not renowned for an amiable temper.

Muang Sat is a very small Village with a. Decent market for yams, plantains, pork, and native medicines. The plain Of the same name Is very extensive, but not nearly fully cultivated. The Me Kok, a fine river some 60 yards broad, flows on the eastern Side Of the plain.

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