XXI. 



before midnight. This pass is the nearest approach to the Green 

 Hills, the highest and most healthy portion of the Shcrvaroys where it 

 is hoped when the unreasonable dread of fever has disappeared, the 

 wealthy residents of Madras will eventually establish their country 

 villas. Though the Green Hills are only a few hundred feet higher 

 than Yercaud, and the difference of temperature is scarcely two 

 degrees, yet there is a freshness in the mountain air, which is alto- 

 gether lost amidst the dense vegetation of Yercaud. This change is 

 most marked to any one leaving the latter and ascending the former 

 place. Water is more abundant on the Green Hills than elsewhere, 

 three or four streams, that never fail even in the driest seasons, are to 

 be found here, as well as an extensive range of excellent soil suitable 

 for gardens, and numerous sites for houses commanding the most ex- 

 tensive and grandest views on the Shcrvaroys. Several miles of road 

 could be constructed without difficulty, and a lake formed in the 

 swamp below the village of Munjaykoottay. It is difficult to conceive 

 a more charming spot than the Green Hills might become with build- 

 ing plots well selected, grounds judiciously planted out, and a fine 

 lake. 



" The Casuarina grows well on the hills, and is highly orna- 

 mental. There are also several Australian acacias and eucalypti, but 

 they have rather a stunted appearance and certainly do not thrive as 

 well as on the Nielgherries or Pulnies. The Rhododendron is not 

 found on the Shervaroys, it requires a greater altitude ; according to 

 Dr. Cleghorn, Conservator of Forests, it is not met with in Southern 

 India below an elevation of 5,500 feet. 



" Many fruits, both European and Indian, succeed well on these 

 Hills, apples, pears, peaches, plums, loquats, figs, strawberries, oranges, 

 lemons, limes, citrons, shaddocks, guavas, plantains and the Brazil 

 cherry, are found in the gardens. The oranges are excellent, quite 

 equal to those of Coonoor. The pear tree grows in every hedge and 

 garden of Yercaud in great abundance ; there are two kinds both of 

 a coarse quality, but they are left in an almost wild state and might 

 be much improved by cultivation, or others of a better description 

 introduced. Apples appear to succeed well ; but there are not 



