312 



On the Table lanJ qf Cumhaucum Drooq. ( Ai'rh, 



agreeable. On tlie 28(li a dry lio( wiml was IVlt at intervals, iiiul the 

 heat was very oppressive : the thermometer standing at 98* and 9^* at 

 noon in a tent, and the air being parohed and scorohing. The water, 

 however, proonred from the reservoir in the bed of the torrent, which 

 passes down a ravine intersecting the table land, and which being sup- 

 plied from internal sjnings may be considered to represent the average 

 temperatnre of the spot, w-as found, even in the latter visit (the 28th), 

 to i)ossess a temperature of only 64® ; so that the occurrence of the 

 extreme hot weather then experienced is the more remarkable, and may- 

 be perhaps an unusual circumstance. 



The supply of water appeared to be abundant, and it was of a limpid 

 clear appearance. It is also considered of ^ood quality by the natives 

 in the neighbourhood, but various streams which I tasted had all a bitter 

 taste, which was accounted for by the natives from the circumstance of 

 the water-courses being choked wiih leaves and vegetable matter, and 

 it is not improbable that that objection would be obviated by clearing 

 them out, or by deriving the supi)ly required from wells. 



The fict that this elevated region is not exempt from the occasional 

 influence of the hottest winds, may perhaps be considered likclv to de- 

 feat its usefulness as a sanatarium for invalids ; and to take away consi- 

 derably from the beneficial efliects which its bracing atmosphere might 

 at other seasons offer. 



