DESOBIPTION OF THE SEVERAL STATIONS. 49 



99 years,* but renewable in perpetuity, so long as the regulat- 

 ed assessment is paid. The Todars hold their land by 

 right of immemorial occupation, alleging that their ancestors 

 came to the Neilgherries before there were any kings or 

 sovereign rulers in Southern India, and that they never paid 

 tax or tribute to any one ; but Grovernment, under the orders 

 of the Court of Directors, has declared the rights of the 

 Todars to be only those of pasturage over the hills ; allowing 

 them to retain their present locations ; and their numbers 

 are gradually decreasing. 



* See " Manual of Instructions as to Tenures" in the Appendix. 



