236 Captain Gerard on the climate and agriculture 



the height of 10,656 feet above the level of the sea, and is 

 crowned by Wartoo or Huttoo Fort, now dismantled and in 

 ruins. This range separates the dell of the Sutliij from those 

 of the Pubber, Jumna, and Tons, and the other great rivers 

 to the south-east. 



The cantonment of Kotgurh is 6634 feet above the sea, the 

 difference of level between it and Soobathoo being 2429 feet, 

 which answers to a mean decrement of temperature of nearly 

 10°. The Sutliij is about four miles distant in a straight line to 

 the north-west, the bed of the river being about 4000 feet lower 

 than Kotgurh, from which there is a steep descent to it the 

 whole way. The distance from the plains of Hindoostan is 

 about fifty miles, and from the nearest point of the Himalayaha 

 twenty-five.* 



Kotgurh enjoys a delightful climate throughout the year. 

 The rains commence about the 20th or 25th of June, and 

 continue to the end of September, and sometimes even to the 

 middle of October; occasionally also they terminate by the 

 15th of September. ~ In general they are heavier and more 

 protracted than in the plains. They are followed by what may 

 be called autumn, which lasts all October and the greater part 

 of November, according to the mildness or severity of the sea- 

 son ; after which, winter with all its horrors sets in. The 

 temperature during the rainy season is quite pleasant, though 

 sometimes a little chilly. When the sun at any time breaks 

 through the clouds, it rarely rises to 72° in the house ; but this 

 heat, in a humid atmosphere which checks evaporation, occa- 

 sionally feels close. 



During the months of April, May, and June, — that period 

 of the year so scorching and oppressive in the plains of Hin- 

 doostan, — the climate of Kotgurh is cool and agreeable in the 

 shade, and within doors a cloth coat rarely feels uncomfort- 

 able ; but in the open air it is very hot ; for although the mean 

 temperature of the climate does not exceed that of London 

 above two or three degrees, the power of the sun's rays is 

 intense. 



* Munnee Maira, the nearest town in Plain-level, being about one mile 

 distant from the foot of the hills, is not less than 1200 feet above the level 

 of the sea. 



