260 EXPLANATION OP THE MAPS. 



supposed axis. We now know that in whatever direction the 

 Himalaya has been explored, its axis has been found to be be- 

 youd the snowy peaks, and indicated by the river-heads. We 

 have therefore in all cases of doubt represented the rivers as 

 following the courses of valleys enclosed by mountains, and 

 assumed that the geographical axis of a chain is indicated by 

 its watershed. 



We have not hesitated to contour the table-land of the 

 Dekhan, so as approximately to represent a system of ranges 

 descending from the meridional axis of the Peninsula to the 

 eastern coast, and attaining an average elevation of 1500-2000 

 feet. We have also given to that axis itself a more inter- 

 rupted and tortuous course than is usually represented; it 

 being an error to suppose that it forms a continuous ridge of 

 nearly uniform height parallel to the coast. Central India we 

 have also represented as a hilly table-land, intersected by con- 

 siderable valleys ; of which there is ample evidence in surveys 

 and the accounts of travellers. 



For the details of the mountain systems of East Tibet there 

 are no authorities, but we have expressed its main features, — 

 that of an enormously elevated mountain mass. This is proved 

 by the statements of many intelligent Tibetans, by the Chinese 

 geographers, by the narrative of M. Hue, and by the fact of 

 so many of the large rivers of Asia flowing from it in several 

 directions. To omit a feature which rivals the Himalaya in 

 dimensions, and which exercises a paramount influence over 

 the meteorology of Eastern Asia, would deprive our map of 

 much of the use we hope it may be of, in illustrating the re- 

 lations between the vegetation and climate of India. 



It remains to add, that the system of spelling (which is 

 the classical one) adopted both in the maps and the pages of 

 our work, is rendered imperative from the fact that we hope 

 our work may he useful to foreigners as well as to our own 

 countrymen. 



