28 DESCKIPTION OP THE SEVERAL STATIONS. 



Ootacamund is situated nearly in the centre of the table- 

 land, about 10 miles from the southern edge of the range, 

 and seven, in a straight line, from the northern. 



It is placed directly at the base, and on the western side 

 of Dodabet, being completely sheltered on three sides by 

 this mountain, and only open to the W. N. W. It is 

 elevated 7,400 feet above the level of the sea ; and though 

 the choice of the situation was, in the first instance, 

 almost purely accidental, it could scarcely have been bet- 

 ter selected, after a more minute acquaintance with the 

 different localities. The climate is decidedly the most 

 perfectly European of any point of the hills, and, upon the 

 whole, less affected by the various vicissitudes of monsoons 

 than any other ; it has plenty of excellent water, and wood 

 in abundance : while the facilities of access are infinitely 

 beyond those of any spot of similar elevation yet known. 



Hotels. 



There are two excellent Hotels : one is called The " Union'* 

 or " Dawson's Hotel," with a detached cottage, having in all, 

 ample accommodation for 6 or 7 families : every room is fur- 

 nished in the most perfect manner, with carpets, fire-places 

 and handsome furniture of every description, papered 

 walls, and altogether in the style of good Hotels in Eng- 

 land. There is also a separate house for bachelors with 

 accommodation for seven persons, and a public room com- 

 mon to all, and stabling for 21 horses, coach-houses, and 

 rooms for native servants. Mr. Dawson is a very superior 

 well educated gentleman, and the hostess, Mrs. Dawson, the 

 picture of florid health and good humour. And the editor 

 is indebted to them for much kind attention paid to him. 

 The table is always well supplied, and whatever is desired 



