OF TUE OLD WORLD. 207 



other climbing-plauts hang in festoons from branch 

 to branch ; and here and there tlie landscape is 

 diversified with verdant lawns of velvet turf, natural 

 parterres of scarlet geranium, or orchids of luxu- 

 riant groveth. Where a view of the low country 

 can be caught through an opening in the thick 

 woods, it is equally grand and impressive, for a 

 blue haze spreads over the scene, softening and 

 blending its beauties, and giving it a dreamy 

 appearance peculiarly enchanting. Wild rasp- 

 berries and strawberries, noted for their excellent 

 flavour, are to be found everywhere in the woods ; 

 and the ferns, buttercups, and daisies that grow on 

 the banks of the numerous rills and burns that flow 

 rippling on every side, present a similarity of ap- 

 pearance that recalls visions of dear old England. 

 Birds of gaudy plumage dart amid the branches, 

 gay butterflies hover about, insects of metallic hue 

 glitter on the leaves, and all nature seems glad in 

 this highly-favoured spot. 



I have never yet met with any hunting-grounds 

 to be compared with the great Wynaad Jungle for 

 diversity of game, which includes elephants, bison, 

 elk, spotted-deer, jungle -sheep, hog- deer, tigers, 

 panthers, leopards, cheetahs, bears, hyenas, tiger-cats, 

 boars, wolves, jackals, wild dogs, porcupines, hares, 

 pea-fowl, jungle-fowl, spur-fowl, partridges, quail, 

 and snipe, whilst on the hills are found ibex and 

 woodcock, which are never seen in the low country. 



Ootacamund, the principal station, is the most 



