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" Johnson, of the Engineers, makes the absolute height of Sispara 

 " about 5,620 feet." 



Dr. Benza then reaches the huge peak-like mass of rock, a few 

 hundred yards from the foot of the highest Sispara summit, which 

 stands like a battlement on a wall. The view from this point is 

 described as magnificent ; particularly that of the gigantic amphi- 

 theatre to the right, the termination of the Koondahs on this side. 



" It is very striking to look at this stupendous semi-circular recess, 

 " formed by enormously lofty mountains, the summits of which rise 

 " vertically to thousands of feet, and whose abrupt sides are deeply 

 " corroded by ravines and chasms, down which small but romantic 

 " cascades precipitate themselves, adding to the magnificence of this 

 " stupendous scenery. Jutting down towards Malabar, are two sharp 

 " ridges, like balustrades to huge stairs leading to this gigantic door- 

 " way, and which, gradually decreasing in height, sink at last in the 

 " plains of Malabar. 



" These plains form one view in the picture, intersected in all 

 " possible directions by numerous water-courses, lakes, and tanks, 

 " which irrigate these extensive tracts, the sight of which relieves 

 " the eye from the fatiguing sensation produced by the wild moun- 

 " tain-scenery above. 



" Another, and perhaps the most picturesque view, is that of 

 " the hills of Malliallum, which intersect a portion of the plain, 

 " in humble but pleasing undulations of a bluish color ; the red 

 " clouds hovering above, and the blue firmament surrounding them, 

 " form a scene of great beauty." 



Dr. Benza ascended successively three hills, one rising above the 

 the other ; covered as usual with thick turf, rounded, and quite 

 easy of access even on horseback. After the third hill he came 

 to a slightly sloping table-land, which forms, as it were, a gently 

 rising pedestal to the huge pyramid of the peak. He thus describes 

 the scene : 



" At last we came up to the gorge What a view ! Who can 



" describe in words the scenery which burst all at once on our sight ! 

 " I doubt much whether even the pencil could give, not an adequate 

 " representation, but an approximation to it, of the terrific spectacle 



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