1 82 GANJAM. 



their way to the sea at the narrowest 

 point of the intervening plain, by a 

 channel which remains open to the tide 

 for the greater part of the year. 



Thus the Chilka is neither wholly 

 salt nor wholly fresh; but it is full 

 of fish, produces immense quantities of 

 prawns, and is in consequence the 

 resort of great numbers of wild fowl. 

 Pelicans and cormorants of different 

 sorts fish its waters, and waders of all 

 sizes and species feed along its shores. 

 The osprey and the fish hawk are 

 always to be seen there, and vast flocks 

 of wild duck and teal of many varieties 

 make it their favourite haunt. 



Among the rocks at the base of the 

 hills which here and there descend into 

 the lake, colonies of otters find a con- 



