242 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



head or back and shoulders proceeded towards a 

 pass iii the highest range of hills. 



Although the ponies could not exceed a walking- 

 pace over the rugged hill path indeed, in many 

 parts were obliged to be dismounted and led still, 

 as it became light, they outpaced the burdened 

 men. With their guns carried alongside, therefore, 

 and with some cold provisions, which rendered them 

 independent of the light baggage till evening, the 

 riders left it under the orders of Mr. Manuel, to 

 follow them as best the coolies could manage, and 

 themselves rode on ahead. 



From the top of the pass a wide view was ob- 

 tained, but all hills and jungle an unreclaimed 

 waste, except where, in the valleys, eveiy here and 

 there a cleared space and the presence of trees of 

 more imposing height, perhaps also a sheen of 

 water, denoted a village settlement. Smoke rose 

 in many places in thick volumes, partially obscuring 

 the valleys. In that region the jungle is often set 

 on fire, with the view of encouraging the growth of 

 the fresh green grass, the blades of which soon 

 spring up midst the blackened dtbris. With the 

 same object of promoting fertilisation, the little 

 fields are thickly strewn with small boughs, twigs, 

 and leaves ; and this coating several inches thick 

 is fired. The ashes, into which the foot sinks deep 



