62 MANUAL OF THE NlLAQIRI DISTRICT. 



CHAP. IV, otherwise of a climate, for, as Sir J. R. Martin, when speaking 

 PART II. of climate, justly observes, " For this much is certain, that the 

 Physical and framers of elaborate tables of the winds and of the degrees of 

 Medical the thermometer have as yet done little to inform our minds or 

 LiMATE^ cx g^-^jg Q^j. inquiry." It is erroneous to suppose that the climate 

 of the Nilagiris is possessed of any specific qualities by means of 

 which it directly cures disease, for neither of these will produce 

 much benefit unless aided by dietetic and hygienic rules, directed 

 with due regard to the constitution, the general state of each 

 individual case, and the season of the year. It is therefore 

 necessary to be cautious about expecting too much from a mere 

 change of climate, as this confidence leads to neglect of other 

 circumstances which are at least equally essential to recovery. 

 It is better to look upon this climate as a medium through 

 which a cure may be wrought than as the direct instrument by 

 which the change is to be effected. 

 Varieties of The Nilagiris enjoy a very great advantage over other Hill 

 possessed by sanitaria in India, as an invalid has the means afforded him of 

 theNiiagiri selecting out of three stations the climate most suitable to his 

 state of health. The other stations besides Ootacamand are 

 those of Coonoor and Kotagiri, but these, owing to differences in 

 altitude, locality, aspect, and surrounding physical features, have 

 well-marked differences in the respective climates, and although 

 this report has special reference to the climate, &c., of Ootacamand, 

 yet a passing glance at the salient differences between its climate 

 and that of the other stations may not be out of place. 

 Brief sketch Coonoor is situated in the south-eastern crest of the mountains, 

 of CooiiooT ^ ^^^ ^^ distant about 12 miles by the new road from Ootaca- 

 mand in a south-easterly direction. Its elevation is 5,886 feet 

 above the level of the sea, or about 1,530 feet less than that of 

 Ootacamand. Its mean annual range of temperature is about 

 eight degrees higher than the latter station. It is sheltered from 

 the south-west monsoon by the lofty Doddabetta range, and 

 during this season its climate is particularly mild and genial, for, 

 as the sun is frequently obscured by hazy mists and the rain is 

 only occasional, it is possible to enjoy daily open air exercise. 

 From the exposed situation of this station on the crest of the 

 hills, unprotected as it is by any barrier on its north-east side, 

 it receives the whole force of this monsoon, the weather during 

 the shoi't period it prevails being most inclement. Towards the 

 end of November or beginning of December this monsoon has 

 generally expended itself, and by Christmas-time the climate is 

 delightful. This is the cold season, and it lasts until towards the 

 close of February ; but at this season the cold north-east winds 

 experienced here are not nearly so trying as at Ootacamand. 

 Owing to radiation, ice is occasionally found in sheltered spots as 



