452 Voyage of the Novara. 



which was to span the river by 42 arches, and will reduce 

 the time of transit from the station from IJ hour to 20 

 minutes. Hereabouts oxen are usually employed for draught, 

 which are of the same humped species as those we had 

 previously seen in Ceylon. These animals trot with uncom- 

 mon swiftness, so that the rapidity of transport may stand 

 comparison with that where horses are employed. 



A few miles distant from Vellore, and visible from the hills 

 around, lies Arcot (Arucati), the residence of the nominal 

 nabob of the Carnatic, who has long been a pensioner of the 

 British. The population of Arcot are mostly Mahometans, who 

 speak a dialect of Hindustani, and drive a very active trade. 



At Vellore we resided in the house of the hospitable Lieut.- 

 Colonel McCally, who, in the absence of the Commandant, 

 did the honours of the Fort to the members of the Novara 

 Expedition. Here we experienced a most cordial reception, and 

 passed a few most delightful hours in the domestic circle of 

 his amiable family. In the evening we made out an excursion 

 to an adjoining eminence, 1400 feet above sea-level, 300 above 

 Vellore, from which there is a commanding view over the 

 town and neighbourhood. Seen from this point, the Fort 

 looked charming, presenting itself to us, surrounded as it is by 

 moats and watercourses, like an island in the foreground. On 

 the top of this hill is the bungalow or country-seat of the 

 collector of revenue, W. A. Sulivan, Esq., where we revelled 

 in the enjoyment of the exquisite natural scenery, and partook 

 of refreshment. 



