1836.] 



Notes on the Climate of Coorg. 



339 



abutment to the west, and following the general direction of the whole 

 of the western ghauts, namely, from N. W. to S. E. until their termina- 

 tion in the plains of Mysore and Wynaad. 



The most remarkable elevations are Soobramany* (Poopagherry in 

 Canarese) in the northern range ; Teeteebetta (fire mountain) in that 

 extending from Tully Cauvery and Tadiandamolef in the terminating 

 range to the south. The Brumenagherries, which form the boundary 

 between Coorg and Wynaad are also of great height. No part of the 

 country can be strictly called plain, as, though on looking from the 

 heights, the large valley between Mercara and Naknaad (about eigh- 

 teen miles by thirteen) exhibits a level appearance, on descending 

 into it, it is found to consist of a succession of low ridges with narrow 

 valleys between them, the lowest forming the bed of the great river 

 Cauvery. 



The same is the case in Kiggutnaad to the south-east though here 

 the ridges are less abrupt. 



To the north of Mercara the ridges are exceedingly abrupt and 

 steep, the valleys being little else than the beds of mountain torrents 

 hollowed out to a great depth. Due west of Mercara the face of the 

 country is looked into numerous rounded knolls like tea cups reversed, 

 and strongly resembling on a smaller scale, the country west of 

 Ootacamund on the Neelgherries. 



The whole country, with few exceptions is covered with forests? 

 more or less dense ; but seldom so impervious or clogged with under- 

 wood, as to come under the denomination of jungle. In Kiggutnaad 

 and towards Mysore, however, bamboos make their appearance, and the 

 forest becomes thick jungle filled with wild animals of all kinds, the 

 same is the case on the western slopes descending into Malabar. 



Having had neither leisure nor opportunity to make myself acquaint- 

 ed with the geological characters of the country in detail, I must restrict 

 myself to observing that they strongly resemble those of the Neel- 

 gherries, so ably described by Doctor Benza, the principal rocks 

 being sienite, granite and greenstone, and the subordinate ranges 

 being uniformly capped with a thick stratum of lithomargic earth, 

 consisting of detritus of granite or sienite in every stage of decomposi- 

 tion, cemented by argillaceous earth, and coloured by oxide of iron. 

 Large masses of felspar of a cream colour, partially decomposed and 

 in the state of what is called porcelain clay, are also of frequent occur- 

 rence. 



The zoology and botany of Coorg, offer a rich field to competent 

 observers. I wish I could flatter myself with the hope of being able 

 to assist in exploring it. 



* 5682 feet above the sea (T. J.). 



+ 5781 feet above the sea (T. J.). 



