Annexation of the Indian hill states

East of Sikkim lies the territory of Butan, whose aspect is singularly magnificent, consisting of an of snowy mountaius, green heights, fertile valleys, innumerable streams, and belts of forests of unparalleled luxuriance and beauty. Owing, however, to the absence of energy and enterprise in the inhabitants, the moist jungle at the foot of the mountains has been allowed to become so dense and matted, that it emits the most pestilential effluvia, denominated by yhe natives the essence of owl. The forests abound with the most superb timber, though strange to say, the oak tree does not appear to flourish in Butan. Here is the natural retreat of the elephant and the rhinoceros, the chase of which would form a profitable occupation to a race of British back-woodmen, should the country come properly into our hands.