420 
RECOLLECTIONS OF A JOURNEY 
some measure to overhang the lower mountain, by which 
means a perpendicular view is obtained to the extent of al- 
most the entire height of the Peak. When we descended 
the sun shone bright upon the space where the view ter- 
minated at the bottom of the mountain, thereby greatly in- 
creasing the sublimity of the prospect. It is impossible to 
describe the terrific grandeur of this scene. But indeed the 
prospect is really so frightful, that I believe it is rarely 
contemplated with due composure. 
The Saffragam side of the cone is nearly destitute of 
trees. We took about twenty-five minutes to descend the 
precipitous apex of the Peak. The road, or rather ravine, 
by which we descended was very rugged in a great num- 
ber of places, and led through thick forests of very large 
trees. 
About 11 A. M. we were met by a large band of native 
musicians and dancers, which had been sent by the agent 
of revenue in the district of Saffragam, as a mark of respect 
to Mr Sawers. The musical instruments were chiefly 
tom-toms, a species of trumpet, and a number of small 
bells, which were suspended round the ankles of the 
dancers, thereby causing a constant tinkling when they 
walked or danced. All the performers were clothed in a 
particular kind of mountebank-dress, which is worn only 
on occasions when they wish to make a demonstration of 
great joy. Immediately after we met them, they com- 
menced their performances, which consisted in making all 
the noise they were able, with drums, bells, and trumpets, 
the clangour of which, although sufficiently loud, was less 
clamorous than the singing and shouting of the vocal per- 
formers. They preceded us in the pathway, and continued 
their music and vociferation until we arrived at Palepat- 
toola. Having obtained a copy of one of their songs, in the 
