78 



F BE N I'LL AMU L LAYS. 



islands, was a most lovely feature in the scenery. It is a 

 much nearer approach to a lake in size and physical fea- 

 tures than any other artificial piece of water I have seen 

 in Southern India, and I have seen most of these. As one- 

 stands on the main bund, the picture presented is, that of 

 a lake partially studded with conical and ridgy islands, and. 

 bounded by hills, with the grand Byrencondah. in the back-. 

 grpnncL 



This mountain (3,500 ft. high) is a difficult one to get at 

 and ascend. We got at it from the village of Aukveed 

 on the west side; but, though starting about seven in 

 the morning, we did not reach the summit until mid- 

 day. In the evening we got down to the low ground 

 in about an hour, by a path on the Cummum side ; 

 but this is such a frightfully steep descent that we had: 

 generally to hold on by bushes, or long grass, and occa- 

 sionally to proceed in a sitting posture,- lest we might slip, 

 away into some of the ravines alongside. The best way to 

 go up by this path would really be that of harnessing oneself 

 to a pony, and driving him up in front. 



Both the tank and the mountain are well worthy of & 

 visit, but unfortunately there is a good deal of inconveni- 

 ence and exposure to be undergone before it can be ac- 

 complished. Cummum is a completely isolated town, or 

 large village, and there is only one decent residence in it ; 

 there are two other houses, but they are wretchedly tumble- 

 down and very small. 



From Bolapilly, we followed what is called the Yellagode. 

 Cunnama, or pass, which leads across the Nullamullays to 

 the village of Yellagode in the Khoond valley, for about 

 half its distance ; and, then, some months afterwards, I com- 

 pleted my examination across by entering on the west side 



