1851.] Notes upon a tour through the Rajmahal Hills. 593 



with hill villages ; large patches of cleared land with the Kirbee or 

 stalks of the Indian eorn and Junera still standing are seen on all 

 parts of the hills. 



The whole of the rocks passed over to-day were compact and earthy 

 basalt. 



7 th February, 1851. — Direction south, eleven miles, to Soorujbara 

 on the right bank of the Thorai Nuddie, one of the drainers of the 

 eastern hills. The country passed over was very broken, and uneven 

 and undulating considerably, exposing naked sheets of basalt. Passed 

 through much tree jungle composed principally of asun, dhow, siris 

 and sakua, and through several fine Sonthal clearances, especially that 

 of Leeteepara which is situated on high commanding ground. 



Soorujbara is also situated on high ground commanding a very exten- 

 sive view of the hills and of the low-lands at their base. 



The weather throughout the day was highly oppressive, although 

 the thermometer in the shade never exceeded 73° . Numerous electric 

 minature whirlwinds were travelling about the country ; gentle wind 

 from the east with a few clouds. 



A violent thunder-storm occurred at midnight accompanied by heavy 

 rain and high wind from the west, which drove me from my tents, 

 taking refuge in the Bungalow close by. 



8th February, 1851. — Direction west, about eight miles, through a 

 very heavy forest of sal, sakua, asun and dhow, over broken and 

 raviney ground and low hills to Gowpara, the largest village in the 

 hills ; containing about eighty houses and four hundred souls. The 

 village is situated on the summit of a high range of hills which here 

 form the central or largest group. The village is surrounded by neat 

 hurdle fences enclosing tobacco, mustard, plantains, date and palm- 

 trees, and in the centre of the village and around the houses are nume- 

 rous fine palm trees, tamarind, peepul, mango, jack, clumps of bamboos 

 and plantains ; the houses are neat ; numerous cattle sheds, pig-sties 

 and well-stocked granaries bespoke plenty and comfort. 



My arrival seemed to have struck a panic into the minds of the 

 whole population, for on entering the village I could not find a single 

 soul to speak to ; every one had fled to their houses and fastened their 

 doors. 



Fortunately a fine old man who was on the roof of his house laying 



4 G 



