XVII. 



with a breadth of from ten to twelve miles forming an irregular mass 

 of mountains intersected by deep valleys. The superficial area of the 

 higher plateau has been estimated at one hundred square miles, but 

 this must include all the hills with the exception of quite the lower 

 spurs. 



The Shervaroyen on the Green Hills is the highest mountain, its 

 elevation is variously estimated, but from 5,200 to 5,300 feet above 

 the sea level is perhaps the nearest approximation ; the higher por- 

 tions of the plateau are from 4,500 to 5,000 feet: the western and 

 southern portions attain the greatest elevation descending to the east- 

 ward to 2,500 feet above the level of the sea. The whole range is 

 separated into three divisions called Nauds, viz., Moch or Mogo-naud, 

 Salem-naud and Mootoo-naud. Yercaud, the present settlement, is in 

 the latter naud. 



The inhabitants of these mountains are called Vellalers or Malay- 

 alies (mountaineers), they numbered in 1861 about 3,500 and occupy, 

 seventy-nine villages scattered over the hills ; very little appears to 

 be known as to their origin. According to the generally accepted 

 tradition they emigrated from Conjcveram about six hundred years 

 ago; in appearance and habits they differ little from the inhabitants 

 of the plain, speaking the same language (Tamil) and being of the 

 same religion (Hindoo). They are tolerably healthy-looking, and 

 certainly have no appearance of a fever-stricken race. Their dress is 

 similar to the natives of the plains ; a black cumbly is generally worn 

 by the men in cold and inclement weather, but it appears to be 

 considered too great a luxury for their women, who do as much, if 

 not more, out-door labour than the male population. The Malay- 

 alies, like most other hill tribes in India, are not cleanly in their dress 

 or habits, their villages are usually situated in the valleys amidst their 

 cultivation, and from the peculiar shape of their huts have a very 

 singular appearance. They are of a circular form, the walls are made 

 of split bamboo with an outer coating of mud ; the roof is conical, 

 and thatched with grass. 



" The Malayalies possess considerable herds of cattle and a few 

 goats. According to Dr. Fasken's Report on the Shervaroys, written 



