1848.] The Taraee and Outer Mountains of Kumaoon. 419 



Approaching Almorah in this direction during the hot season, multi- 

 tudes of large lizards may be observed basking on the rocks, conspicu- 

 ous by their cobalt-blue legs, and the sure index of a broiling tempera- 

 ture : indeed, in the low vallies, where they rival the Gosamp in size, 

 the climate in May and June differs little from the fabled one of the 

 Salamander. These reptiles are generally considered to be insectivo- 

 rous ; here, however, they also devour grass and other herbs with avi- 

 dity, and are very destructive in the gardens. 



The town of Almorah in Purgunna Baramundil has already received 

 its meed of description from Bishop Heber and Mr. Batten, to which I 

 will only add one or two remarks on the animals, &c. of the vicinity. 

 Mr. Hodgson, I think, tells us that the Jackal (here called Shial), 

 seldom or never appears in the Himalaya ; this is by no means true of 

 Almorah, towards which they may be seen stealing every afternoon to 

 pay their attentions to the poultry-yards, and goats ; the handsome 

 hill fox, " chooria-shial," is also not uncommon, and though Captain 

 Thomas asserts the reverse, is, or at least was to be seen about Simlah. 

 I observe also that Mr. Ogilby, in Royle's Illustrations, concludes that 

 the domestic Ass has not been introduced into any part of these moun- 

 tains ; they are in common use as beasts of burden at Kanum and 

 Soongnum in upper Kunawur. Leopards are numerous at Almorah, 

 and levy heavy contributions on the flocks, the dogs, and the poultry ; 

 bears only approach during the autumnal harvest : tigers are never 

 now known to come within ten miles of us. The Hare, Susoo, is not 

 very common. Snakes and scorpions are common, some of the former 

 above 6 feet in length, but generally harmless, though much dreaded 

 by the people ; in two years' residence I have never heard of an accident ; 

 but at Hawulbagh the Cobra is well known. A plant, " Guroor-bootee" 

 is considered a cure for the bite : what was pointed out is Barleria 

 ciliata. 



Amongst birds, the common Plover or Peewit of the plains, Vanellus 

 Goensis, is frequently to be seen ; the people know it by the name 

 Tishta ; and, in common with their low-land neighbours, have the odd 

 idea that it sleeps on its back with its legs upwards to prevent the sky 

 from falling on it. No easy matter, with so watchful a bird, to bring 

 to the test of actual observation, and hence perhaps the origin of the 

 belief. 



