OP THE NILAOIRT DIRTRirT. Iv 



to be a dialect of the Tamil : but it is a singular fact that tlie Todcvics 

 cannot speak tlie language of the Koties, or the Koties that of the 

 Todevies, and that the language of both these classes is equally 

 unintelligible to the Bei'gics. 



The soil of this region is remarkably fertile and yields two crops in 

 the year, of wheat, barley, peas, opium, garlic, mustard, and various 

 species of millets. We found the pea and poppies in full blossom 

 notwithstanding the severity of the weather. The frost indeed appears 

 to have no ill effect whatever on the vegetation. The valleys allbrd 

 inexhaustible supplies of excellent water. It was impossible to move a 

 quarter of a mile in any direction without crossing sti'cams. Some of 

 tliem are highly impregnated with iron, and one was found of a 

 warmth much above the temperature of the outward air. These 

 streams run throughout the year, and empty themselves into the 

 Bovani river on the one side, and into the Moyar on the other, of the 

 low country. There are no sheep here, though the climate, soil and 

 pasture are admirably adapted for them, and there can be no doubt 

 but that Merino sheep would thrive here as well as in the walks of 

 their native country. Black cattle arc numerous, and the breed has 

 more substance and bone than the cattle below. The Todevies possess 

 large herds of buffaloes of immense size, and live principally upon 

 their produce. The domestic fowls are twice as large as those below, 

 and excellent for the table. The sportsmen of the party remarked 

 the game to be as large as game in Eui'opc, particularly the hares, 

 wliose color is usually red. Wolves wei'c the only beasts of prey we 

 saw, though the inhabitants spoke confidently of tigers being in the 

 hills. 



I have not troubled your readers or yourself with any description 

 of the scenery of this singular and interesting country, although it 

 was impossible to move in any direction without being struck with its 

 extraordinary grandeur and magnificence. Every thing that a combi- 

 nation of mountains, valleys, wood and water can afford is to be seen 

 here. Your readei's will perhaps be surprised to learn that frosty 

 regions are to be found at no very great distance from the Presidency, 

 and within 11 degrees of the equator. 



I am, Sir, 



Your obedient sei'vant, 

 30th January 1810. A SUBSCRIBER. 



No. 10.— From Lieutenant EVANS MACPHERSON, Superintendent, 

 Ncehjherry Road, to JOHN SULLIVAN, Esq., dated Neetghernj, 

 12th June 1820. 



I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 1st 

 instant, calling upon me to state my opinion of the climate of this lofty 



