1848.] Observations made on a Botanical Excursion. 369 



and to the south winds being the damp ones. Accordingly, plants which 

 I had left 3000 feet below in the north ascent, here ascended to near the 

 summit, such as ltd, Bananas and various weeds. A small short- 

 stemmed Palm (Phcenix) was tolerably abundant, (propably P. Ouse- 

 layance, Griff.) and a small tree of Pterospermum, on which a species 

 of grass grew epiphytially : but too withered to determine ; it formed 

 a curious feature. 



The situation of the principal temple is very fine, below the saddle 

 in a hollow facing the south, surrounded by forest and the Banana 

 and Banian. It is small but handsome, contains little inside to remark, 

 but the sculptured feets of Parus Nath and some slabs of marble with 

 Boodh idols ; cross-legged figures with crisp hair and the brahminical 

 cord. These, a leper covered with ashes in the vestibule and an offi- 

 ciating priest, were all we saw. 



Pilgrims were seen on various parts of the mount in very considerable 

 numbers, passing from one temple to another, and leaving generally a 

 few grains of dry rice at each ; the rich and lame were carried in chairs, 

 the poorer walk. 



The culminant rocks are very dry, but in the rains may possess 

 many curious things ; a fine Kalanchoe was common, with the Barberry, 

 a beautiful Indigofera, and various other shrubs ; a Bolbophyllum grew 

 on the rocks, with a small Begonia, Telaginella, JDavallia and some 

 other Ferns. There were no birds, and very few Insects, a beautiful 

 small Pontia the only butterfly. The striped squirrel was very busy 

 amongst the rocks, which, with some mice and the traces of bears, 

 includes all I can say of the Zoology of the summit. 



On the top and shoulders of the hill there is a considerable space for 

 establishing a small Sanatarium, and the climate is no doubt highly 

 advantageous, as is the proximity to Calcutta, and the acceptability of 

 the country. Mainpath however, is probably a far more eligible site, 

 equal or nearly so in altitude, much more extensive and only a night's 

 dawk from the Grand Trunk Road. The height of the saddle I made 

 to be 4,233 feet,* above the sea, and the following observations may 



* Calculated by Daniell's Formula, for correcting the specific gravity of air by 

 the Dew-Point, By Sir G. Shuckbur«h's Formula, the height is 4,261.8 feet. Of 

 the two Peaks visited the easternmost is 4,148.4, the flag-staff 4,348.2. feet. 



