Xlll. 



work altogether, he succeeded permanently to the appointment, and 

 afterwards became an Assistant Conservator under Dr. Cleghorn in 

 the forest department which sprang from this beginning. He had, 

 however, at times to return to his military duties, and in i860 he 

 went with his regiment to Hong Kong, returning to Madras in 

 February, 1861. In 1862 he was given a roving commission by Sir 

 Charles Trevelyan to make drawings for the Government of all the 

 hill plateaux in Southern India which were likely to suit as Sanitaria, 

 or quarters for European troops, &c. 



A series of careful drawings of the Annamullay, Pulney 1 and 

 Shervaroy Hills was the result. 



While at work on this commission he had great opportunities 

 not only of following his favourite pursuit, but also of observing the 

 habits of the various animals inhabiting the different districts. 



These well-known drawings proved that he was a most accurate 

 observer as well as a careful draughtsman. Each series of drawings 

 was accompanied by a full report of the districts. 2 



The Pulney mountains are situated between 10° and io° 15" 

 north latitude, and jf 20' and 77° 55" east longitude, in the Madura 

 District. They extend in a north-easterly direction from the great 

 mass of mountains known as the Western Ghauts, to which theyare 

 connected by an Isthmus, or ridge of hills about eight miles in width ; 

 being completely isolated on every other side. To the north are the 

 Districts of Coimbatore and Trichinopoly ; those of Madura and 

 Tanjore lie to the east ; Tinnevelly and Travancore to the south and 

 west. 



There is an abundant supply of water on the higher range 

 throughout the year. In some of the valleys, according to Captain 

 Ward, there are extensive morasses and in the swamps near Kudai- 

 karnal peat of very good quality has been found. On these moun- 



' In the modern spelling of these mountains Pulney becomes Pulni, Anna- 

 mullay— Anaimalais, Nielgherry — Nilgiri. 



2 Since these reports were sent in the Pulneys and the other ranges of hills in 

 Southern India have been most carefully surveyed, and the population accurately 

 taken, &c. 



