1839.] Lieut. Kittoe's Journey through the Forests of Orissa. 679 



jungle fever ; for several days I had barely a servant to attend upon me, 

 I was forced even to pitch my own tent, I soon followed the general 

 example likewise my family, for our tents were saturated as well as the 

 ground, which being soft caused the pole to sink into it; not a 

 dry spot was to be found. I broke ground and moved to Phoolkonlaie, 

 where the soil was better, but the fever was too much rooted in all, for 

 the change to be of any benefit ; after passing many days in this 

 unhappy state, I resolved on retreating the best way we could to 

 Mednipur, which station we fortunately reached on the sixth day ; 

 this change restored us. 



A few remarks on the climate of these tracts, and the apparent 

 causes of sickness may be acceptable. 



While at Phoolkonlaie stretched on my back with fever, I observed 

 that the wind below was blowing in a different direction from what 

 it was above, which latter was westerly with a clear sky, we were 

 enveloped in clouds and mist, with variable wind from an easterly 

 direction ; this atmosphere, if I may so term it, appeared to extend to 

 the height of the level of the mountain tops, viz. about 1600 feet. The 

 tract of land extending between the Buddaum and Keunjur hills, a 

 span of 50 miles, is considered very unhealthy by all, may it not then 

 be attributed to the absence of free and variable currents which in 

 other more open tracts dispel the earth's vapors and prevent an accumu- 

 lation, which must be the real cause of sickness ? as long as the ground 

 is dry there is less danger, but a single heavy shower followed by 

 cloudy weather causes the poisonous vapor to rise, and there is no 

 escaping its evil effects. 



I have here described one cause of fever, but there is another of an 

 opposite nature, viz. the intense heat of the country in the months of 

 May and June, after every particle of vegetation has been consumed by 

 fire. From the description I have heard of this fever I should imagine 

 it to be of the brain; the patient with little warning is seized with a 

 shivering, violent head-ache, and vomiting, delirium quickly follows, 

 and in three days death puts an end to his miseries ; natives and 

 Europeans suffer alike from this scourge, for a more particular account 

 of it, I would beg to refer my readers to Mr. Motte's Journey to the 

 Diamond mines, alluded to in a former page. 



Before I take leave of my readers, I will offer a few remarks on the 

 products of the forests ; of these the tussur silk is the most common, 

 and at the same time, most valuable. Lac is also to be found ; the 

 production of both in large quantities might be effected, particularly 

 of the former. 



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