CHAPTER VIII. 



THE NILGHERRIES. AN IBEX BEFORE 

 BREAKFAST. 



THE Mlgherry hills attain a height of 

 from eight to nine thousand feet, and 

 therefore might fairly claim to be called 

 mountains; but no one accords them 

 that dignified name, because, though 

 here and there rocky peaks and pre- 

 cipitous crags are to be met with, the 

 prevailing aspect of the summits is 

 soft and rounded, and the slopes are 

 green and sweeping. It is a surprise 

 to the traveller who gradually climbs 



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