206 NHILGERRIES. 



and surrounded b)' plains where the thermometer not un- 

 frequently stands in the shade at 100= F., yet, from its ele- 

 vated situation, it possesses a mildness of climate not infe- 

 rior to the temperate parts ©f Europe, and also a great 

 equability of temperature, which renders it so beneficial in 

 many diseases. During a great part of the year, says Mr. 

 Young, the range of the thermometer on the INhilgerries 

 is less" than is known in any part of the globe ; and during 

 December, January, and February,— the season of the 

 greatest cold, — it lias never been known to exceed 28=> F., 

 the greatest heat 59° F., including, between the extremes, 

 a temperature which has always been found congenial to 

 the European constitution, and very different in its effects 

 from similar oscillations at a higher temperature, as exhib- 

 ited in all parts of the Deccan and throughout India gene- 

 rally. During the rainy season the thermometer varies but 

 little,— the range has been so low as 2^° for a whole month. 

 Except the three cold months the range will generally be 

 from 2i° to 6=, or at most 10°, making the climate one of 

 the most equable on the earth ; and consequently very fa- 

 vourable to persons of a consumptive habit. Invalids, on 

 reaching the hills in the cool season, feel the air of the 

 mountams too rigorous ; but to the healthy it is the period 

 of the greatest enjoyment, when they can wander through 

 the woods in search of game, and almost forget that they 

 are still exiles from their own countr>\ The only wmter 

 on these mountains is experienced during this period ; the 

 grass which covers the downs and elevated ridges becommg 

 yellow and seared ; but the moment the frosts are over, about 

 the end of February, the countrj- quickly assumes its verdant 

 appearance, and the duties of the husbandman recommence 

 just as the plains below are beginning to feel the desolating 

 effects of the hot winds. The climate of the iS'hilgerries 

 may, in some measure, be considered a perpetual spring ; 

 vegetation is slow and steady, except during frosts. Psot- 

 withstanding the lowness of the thermometer during the 

 whole year, sick persons cannot, without risk, expose them- 

 selves to the sun from 10 A. M. till 4 P. M. ; and as the 

 mornings are very agreeable they are recommended to take 

 exercise either on foot or horseback from 6 till 9 A. M., and 

 from 5 till 7 P. M., confining themselves in the middle of the 

 day, except during the delightful intervals of fine weather 



