72 



The Neilgherry Mountains. [No. 34, 



gliers sell their grain by the " kolagum" the contents of which when 

 heaped up is about 226 cubic inches, or somewhat more than 2 seers. 



„ . The coins issued from the Honorable Com- 



Coms. 



pany's mint are the only monies in circulation 

 on the Hills, viz., rupees, half and quarter rupees, 2 annas, quar- 

 ter and half annas, and pice. 



It is supposed that a good deal of coin goes out of circulation in 

 the district, owing to the Burghers and others either hoarding it by 

 burying, or getting it converted into ornaments. 



Banking operations. ^ ^^^^^ was recently established in Ootaca- 

 mund, but it failed in consequence, I believe, of 

 the ignorance and want of standing of the managers. But consider- 

 ing that there is almost always a large community of Europeans, 

 chiefly in the service of Government, congregated at the station, 

 together with a not inconsiderable number of native traders possessed 

 of capital, it seems obvious that if conducted upon proper principles, 

 and by parties of mercantile respectability and intelligence, such an 

 establishment could not fail to prosper, and to prove a source of great 

 convenience and benefit to the public. 



Lending and Borrow- Money is lent in the bazaar amongst the na- 

 tives at the usual usurious rate of interest : 2 

 per cent, being given for loans with security of jewels or other con- 

 vertible property, per month, and 3 per cent, per month for money 

 lent on personal security only. 



Modes of transit and The Neilgherry district communicates with 

 communication. neighbouring provinces by means of six 



passes or ghauts, the roads in which have been cut and kept in 

 repair at the public expense, with the exception of one, the " Manaar" 

 or Soondaputty" ghaut which has gone out of general use. The 

 only one of these passes which is ascended by wheeled convey- 

 ances is the "Seegoor;" the mode of transit on all the others be- 

 ing by bullocks, coolies, and, to a small extent, by asses. By the 

 Seegoor" ghaut however, cart loads of 1,000 lbs. weight, or 2 

 candies, are brought up, an additional pair of bullocks being re- 

 quired to help the cart over the steepest parts of the ascent. 



The Goodaioor Pass. Commencing at the N. W. angle of the pla- 

 teau the first pass which presents itself is that 



