NILGHIRI HILLS. 239 



In both cases, the denudation is less than in that of the Himalayas, 

 and this partly because, as already stated, the rock decomposes less 

 r<apidlj^, but principally owing to the comparatively small areas of 

 drainage of the Kundahs and Neelgherries, and the consequent ab- 

 sence of any gigantic river-torrents, such as gush down from the vast range 

 of the Himalaj'a. Indeed, the di'ainage of the hills pours down by seve- 

 ral independent streams, those of the Neelgherries uniting in the plains 

 below and flowing finally into the Cavery, while the single stream 

 which collects almost the entire drainage of the Koondahs flows down 

 to the Western Coast. 



The country immediately around Ootakamund, which is the loftiest 



Evidences of marine P''-''*' °-^ ^^® hills, is naturally that which has been 

 least altered by the action of fresh water, and 

 it is here consequently that the evidences of the previous marine 

 action are most clearly seen. The station of Ootakamund is situated 

 in a broad undulating vallej', immediately at the foot of Dodabetta, 

 (the loftiest point of the hills,) and is surrounded on three sides by the 

 steep spurs of this range, while on the fourth or Western side of the 

 station, the plateau undulates gently away to the Himagala range, 

 only interrupted by two prominent hiUs situated immediately to the 

 right of the Makurty road, about 4 miles from Ootakamund. The 

 best view of this part of the hills is obtained from the new Koter- 

 gherry road at various points on its Dodabetta ascent. The general 

 outline of Dodabetta as seen from a distance is much rounded; it 

 appears as a prominent mass of hills bounded on the greater part 

 of its circumference by a tolerably distinct escarpment. This escarpment 



Escarpment of Kaitee is especially visible on its South-Eastern side 



Valley 



which overlooks Kaitee valley (See Fig. 5), 

 and again to the North and North -West of Jackatalla, where the 

 projecting terminations of several spurs present a striking resem- 

 blance to the rocky headlands of parts of the South Coast of 



