©ct. — MA.R. 1859-60.] Scientific Intelligence. 



333 



which might possibly be useful in these investigations, but they 

 are not at present in a state for presentation. 



I may, however, advert to the very remarkable physical outlines 

 of the tract of country under review as doubtless having along, 

 with other causes, an important influence in contributing to the 

 several phenomena. 



The Palghat opening is an abrupt rupture in the line of Ghats 

 about 25 miles in width and at about 50 miles from the sea coast 

 at Ponany, the opening running due E. and W. 



The N. side of the opening is formed by the precipitous group 

 of the Palghat and Neilgherry mountains from 1 to near 9,000 

 feet in altitude ; the southern face or wall being formed by the 

 equally precipitous range of Golungode and Animalli mountains 

 from 5 to 6,000 feet in altitude, prolonged some 50 miles farther 

 to the eastward by the Pulney mountains from 7 to 8,000 feet 

 above the sea. These two systems of high land forming «ne vast 



