4 



CHURRA FONJKK. 



On the 3rd October, we left the tract of jheels, and proceeded by 

 small rivers, overhung with jungle and fine bamboos ; on the 5th we 

 re-entered the Soorma and proceeded down it to Chattuc, which is 

 situated on the left bank of the river, and which we reached in the after- 

 noon. During our passage down the river we had beautiful views 

 of the mountains, which do not however strike one with an idea of 

 great height. We could plainly distinguish two or three waterfalls 

 shooting over scarped precipices. 



Churra Punjee, October ZOth. — After a residence of 20 days here, I 

 wrote to Mr. Solly, stating nothing particular, except that Bucklandia 

 has coniferous tissue, and that Podostemon will probably prove 

 Monocotyledonous and allied to Pistiacese. Our stay here has proved 

 a source of great delight, and accumulation of botanical and geological 

 treasures. The cantonments of Churra are at an elevation of 4200 

 feet above the sea, the native village being situated half way up 

 the ascent which closes in the table-land on which the cantonment 

 is situated towards the N. and W., and it is hence about 300 feet 

 higher. The country immediately adjoining the cantonment is flat, 

 with here and there a rounded hillock, destitute of any covering but 

 grasses and a few low, half shrubby plants. To the Eastward there 

 is a very deep and beautiful valley, the west side of which in parti- 

 cular is densely covered with jungle, but this does not contain 

 any large trees. The opposite side, fronting our bungalow, runs 

 nearly N. and S., presents a succession of ravines, and a most pic- 

 turesque and varied surface. This valley, along the bottom of 

 which as is usual a torrent runs, opens into the low country at 

 Terrya Ghat, which is situated at the foot of the ascent to Churra. 

 Directly to the south, and at a distance of about two miles from the 

 cantonments, there is another valley likewise occupied below by a 

 torrent fed by the Moosmai falls. The commencement of all these 

 vallies, that I have at least seen, is a sheer precipice, which often, and 

 particularly at Moosmai, assumes the form of a vast amphitheatre, 

 over the brink of which cascades, especially at Moosmai, fall in toler- 

 able plenty. It is in these places that the immense depth of the 

 sandstone is best seen ; the depth of the valley of Moosmai is, I am 

 told, 1500 feet, the country above these precipices is generally level, 

 and is in fact table-land. The most beautiful valley is at Maamloo, a 

 village to the Westward of Churra, and about five miles distant. The 

 approach to Churra is pretty enough, and gives the best view of the 

 cantonment. The coal mines are to the Westward, and close to 



