1338.] 



Topographical Report on the Neilgherries, 



99 



action of the sl<in is greater ; and often, for the same reason, it is of 

 use in those obstinate intermittents, which have lunar intervals, either 

 at the full or cliange of the moon. The change of climate, even on the 

 hills, frequently breaks the habit, and the patient rapidly recovers. 

 The houses are few, but good, and usually afford sufhcient accommo- 

 dation for those who require a change, as it is only a station supple- 

 mental to Ootacamund, since the withdrawal of the Surgeon from it. 



Dimhutty is to the north of Kotagherry, and is situated in a pleasant 

 valle)'', surrounded on every direction by hills of moderate height, by 

 which it is sheltered from the strong winds, and much rain and mist, 

 which are attracted and condensed upon their summits. It is about 

 250 feet lower than Kotagherry, and in every respect warmer, but the 

 air is merely mild and balmy and not sultry. There are at Dimhutty 

 six small thatched bungalows, and a house of two stories having a ter- 

 raced roof, which are let at low prices to sick officers. There is a nice 

 garden, and fine lawn-like piece of ground, bounded by a handsome 

 wood adjoining, and the surrounding knolls are highly cultivated, so 

 that this establishment is very picturesque as well as salubrious, and 

 Affords a pleasing, economical, and wholesome variety of residence to 

 the seeker after health. Neither place, in other respects, either as to 

 geological character, or mineral or vegetable products, differs much 

 from Ootacamund, and what has been stated regarding it will apply to 

 them. 



Coonoor.—ls not a station, but as it once was the place of encamp- 

 ment of the Sappers, it cannot pass unnoticed. In geological structure 



- it resembles the other places, and its vegetable products are alike. It 



- is however only just at the summit of the ghat, which is covered with 

 thick jungle, and, being only 6000 feet high, is sometimes feverish, and 

 therefore objectionable as a station, although as far as external feeling 

 's concerned, it is in the main as agreeable as the other places men- 

 tioned above. 



The native population of the Neilgherries consists of four descrip- 

 tions of persons, namely, Todars, Koters, Burghers and Currumbers. 



The first and last are the fewest in numbers ; the Todars are com- 

 puted to be about eight hundred, and the Currumbers cannot be more, 

 but most probably are less, which cannot decidedly be ascertained 

 owing to the little intercourse which exists between them and the reve- 

 nue servants, and the other inhabitants. 



