4.12 Syong (the black plum)

4.12   

Syong (the black plum)

Sohiong was one of the independent Khasi states. On 4 May 1829, the Cassyas, seeing Scott, their potential victim likely to escape, planned an ambush at Zumbree, where Scott was to be invited to pass the night[107].

4.13 Dengshipoong river

4.13   

Dengshipoong river

The next stage was the road across the Dengship-oong river, which flowed in a narrow valley, till the descent to the valley of Myrung[110].

4.14 Myrung

4.14   

Myrung/Koolong Rock

Dak Bungalow

After Cherra punji, Mawphlang and Nongkhlaw (which appears further down the road), Myrang was a strong contender for a sanitarium. 

4.14(a) Kollong

4.14(a)

Kollong

In 1844, Henry Yule mentioned that about 30 miles from Shillong[119] to the west stood a very remarkable rock called by the natives 'Kalung.' This formed a most imposing feature in the landscape from various points in the hills.

4.14(b) Kyllang and Symper

4.14(b)

Kyllang and Symper

In 1906, Philip Gurdon refered to a wonderful mass of granite known by the name of the Kyllang Rock[123]. He mentions that the Syntengs had a story that when the strong west wind blew in the spring, this was due to the advent of U Kyllang, who came to visit his wife, the river Umngot[124], at that season.

4.15 Nungkhlow (the village in the wilderness)

4.15

Nungkhlow

(the village in the wilderness)

Ostrich Hill

 Dak Bungalow

It was here that the story of the Scott’s Road began. On 1 November 1826, Scott along with Major White, entered Nongkhlaw in order to negotiate for the construction of a road - which later came to be known as Scott’s Road.

4.15(a) Ostrich Hill

4.15(a)

Ostrich Hill

Not far from Nongkhlao was a beautiful spot known by the name of ‘Ostrich Hill’, and on its summit stood a humble monument bearing an inscription:

“Multis ille bonis fleblis occidit, Nulli fledilior mihi”

Translated[148], this means: “Falling after daring great deeds he perished, bemoaned by many good men”.

4.16 Borpanee River

4.16       

Borpanee River (Khri)[151]

In 1835, William Griffith travelled on this road and noted that a small stream ran at the foot of the descent, however he did not know its name[152].  About 2 hours’ walk from this stream, flowing along a valley was the Bustapanee. 

4.17 Nowgong

4.17

 Nowgong

In November 1835, as the shades of evening lengthened William Griffith quickened his pace, and at last when it became dark, came up with the coolies in a most rugged road. When it was dark, after stumbling about a good deal, he made his way to the foot of the descent, and reached a small stream.

4.18 Umloor

4.18   

Umloor

In March 1865, James Thornton traversed an open country consisting of grassy undulating hills almost devoid of trees. This continued for several miles, and then his party entered a dense jungle of chiefly bamboo which appeared to cover the hills in every direction towards the north[157].