CHAFT. xxiv. Cuimbatore. 307 



Xilagiris. Then are bungalows and supplies here. You can do 

 some fishing In mi the bungalow, by riding out, but not much, for 

 it is so netted. There is an easy bridle-path to Nellatorai, 4 miles, 

 whence 1 have fished down to the Metapolliam bridge, killing all 

 the way down to the junction of the Kallar River, which was so 

 muddy that I took no more below that point The Coonoor and 

 Karteri stream gets muddy very rapidly under very slight rainfall 

 because it is so steep, and comes through so much cultivation, 

 carrying its wash. There was plenty of excellent water. The fish 

 were the Carnatic Carp, but they run small, none being over 3 lbs., 

 doubtless on account of the netting. 



You may also fish from the bungalow as your head-quarters, by 

 fishing down stream from the bridge, and sending your horse down 

 the Erode road to ride back on. Nothing can be done without a 

 boat. Basket-boats are plentiful. 



But it is far better to camp higher up the river at Tekampatti, 

 where is a forester's hut, available, I daresay, if you can make 

 love to the Forest Officer. Tekampatti is the highest place up the 

 river at which it is safe to sleep. It is well situated half a mile 

 away from the river and malaria, and ttn the plain side. From 

 thence fish the river, the Bawanny, above and below the Puthur 

 turd. What we concluded was the best way of doing it, was to be 

 up in the dark, and ride down to the river, across the ford, and 

 along the bridle-path up the other side, the Neilgherry side of the 

 riwr till dawn, taking our basket-boats with us at a foot's pace. It 

 is too rough a road to ride any faster in the dark. Directly it dawned, 

 we called a halt, and put the boats in, and fished alternate pools 

 downwards bo the ford, to which our horses meanwhde walked, 

 ready to carry us thence to a late breakfast about twelve. In the 

 afternoon we fished the river downwards from the ford till dusk, 

 and rode home. In December, the river is fordable in one place 

 near the Tekampatti camp, and that is the Puthur ford, but you 

 must take it circuitously the way you are shown. 



The distances, as nearly as we could ascertain and judge by 

 timing ourselves, were : — 



From Metapolliam to Nellatorai, 4 miles. 



„ „ „ Puthur, 4i „ 



„ „ Chengal, 8 „ 



,, „ „ Shittugunie, 9 



III! BOD Oi INDIi. ; 



