1848.] 



The Neilgherry Mountains. 



leading from Neddiwuttum to Goodaloor forming the communication 

 between the Hills and Cannanore, Tellicherry and the western coast 

 towards Bombay through the Wynaad country, and also with Calicut 

 by the most direct road which exists to that city ; descending the Car- 

 coor pass, and passing through Nellumboor parallel to the Beypoor 

 river to the coast. The " Koondah Ghaut," having however obtain- 

 ed a preference over this line for the journey to Calicut, the tappal 

 runners have lately been taken off it and posted along the other ; in 

 consequence of which the ferries, by which several large streams are 

 crossed, are not now regularly attended, and, through the absence of a 

 constant and sustained traffic along the line, the jungle is encroaching 

 and becoming rank and dangerous, both from malaria and beasts of 

 prey. The public bungalows also along this line are badly situated 

 as regards health ; but this I understand \n\\ before long be obviated 

 by the erection of a new one in an open space clear of the encroach- 

 ments of the jungle, and free from fever. It is much to be regretted 

 that this road should be allowed to fall into disuse as the line is a 

 most convenient one for reaching the Hills from the coast by Calicut 

 where all invalids from Bombay now land ; and as the ghaut, being 

 a short one of only 5| miles, and on a very good trace, can be easily 

 and economically kept in repair. 



The Rajah of Nellumboor is, I believe, bound to keep up the 

 ferries between the town of that name, and the foot of the Oarcoor 

 pass, so that the expense of keeping this line of road open would fall 

 very lightly upon Government. The road on from Neddiwuttum 

 into Ootacamund is an excellent one, and has been recently repaired 

 throughout, so as to be perfectly practicable for laden carts. The 

 ghaut is also in good order and a laden bandy can descend it with 

 safety ; but the ascent is impracticable in consequence of some very 

 steep acclivities upon which the road is carried. The Pykara or Mo- 

 yaar river forming the boundary between the districts of Malabar and 

 Coimbatore, the road from thence to the westward is under the 

 collector of the former province, by whom the greatest attention ap- 

 pears to be given to it. 



^, _ ^ This ^haut which is the most frequented of all, 



The Seegoor Pass. ^ ^ . . 



in consequence of its being practicable for laden 

 carts and other wheeled conveyances, is carried down the northern 

 ftice of the Hills, commencing the descent near Mootenaad, and end- 

 ing it near the village of Seegoor." By this pass the communica- 



VOL, XY, NO. XXXIV. ^ 



