I3S 



A Visit to Cumhaitcufn-droog, 



[July 



The people did not consider it unhealthy, and had abandoned it in 

 consequence of some people having been cut off by robbers, who paid 

 this retired spot a visit within the last twenty years. There is no 

 reason why it should be feverish ; but that is a point only to be ascer- 

 tained by experience. The thermometer stood at 65° at noon on the 

 26th January, and the water in the old reservoir, which is very deep and 

 well shaded, at 62°. This is V2° below that of the plain. Abundance 

 of rain is said to fall, which I think very probable, from the clouds an d 

 thunder storms we constantly see arrested there, when they are so 

 anxiously expected in the low country. Its vicinity to Madras (being 

 only one night's run in a palankeen), its elevation, and the beauty of 

 the prospect, point it out as a most desirable retreat in the hot weather, 

 or for those who stand in need of a change of climate, and whose busi- 

 ness may prevent their going so far as Bangalore. 



A garden of the best description might also here be cultivated, and 

 the distance is not so great, as to prevent the produce being sent in 

 to Madras. We should thus enjoy all the luxuries for which Bangalore 

 is so much extolled. The road is naturally excellent, and only requires 

 to be cleared of a few low bushes, as far as the foot of the mountain ; 

 and one of three miles, along the slope of the hill, would make the re- 

 mainder far more easy than any of the ghauts I have ascended. 



The road should be continued along the range of the Red Hills, 

 which extend nearly the whole distance, giving, on the spot, material 

 of the best kind for the construction of roads ; and with one or two 

 bridges over the Corteliar, and another river, would afford a perfect 

 carriage road, and be of incalculable advantage to the country gene- 

 rally. For baggage, if water carriage is preferred, the lake can take 

 it as far as Soolurpett, distant from the foot of the mountain eleven 

 miles. 



Yenga Abasaney, a Poligar chief, is said to have first established 

 himself on the mountain ; it, subsequently, fell into the hands of the 

 Nabob of the Garnatic, who built a palace, and frequently resided 

 here, to enjoy its fine air and prospect. The garden was cultured to 

 within a very recent period ; the wild hogs have, however, destroyed 

 •whatever there may have been, and no fruit trees are now visible. 



