450 OOSCOTTAH. 
savageness of the scene. To the northward was a range of lofty 
blue mountains, rising one above the other till they were lost in 
the haze. To the south was a more cultivated country, with de- 
tached smaller hills, on one of which the winding walls of a hill- 
fort were visible. 
We rested here for a little time to refresh our bearers, who were 
exhausted with the heat, and to give Mr. Salt an opportunity to 
take a sketch of the scenery, which was finer than any thing I had 
yet beheld in India. Herefordshire, with the distant view of the 
Welsh mountains, may be honoured by being in some degree com- 
pared to it. We had ascended to this point, but now began 
gradually to descend by a winding path, so rocky as much to in- 
commode the bearers, who on coming up with the men that had 
been employed by Purneah to clear the way for us, obliged them 
to assist in carrying the palanquins. As I approached Ooscottah 
the timber-trees were much larger, and cultivation again appeared. 
It is a neat little town separated by a valley from a fort which 
seems strong, and is well placed, having no hill near it. Here, as in 
every other part of the Mysore, the small rivulet has been turned 
into a tank by a lofty mound carried across the valley. These 
works, of great labour and infinite utility, do honour to the ancient 
princes of the country, by whom they were formed. The bigotry 
of Tippoo had destroyed many, which had their origin in the 
u-seful zeal of the Hindoos for their deities ; but Purneah is rapidly 
repairing these national injuries, and will, I have no doubt, raise the 
country to its former prosperity. We did not reach this place till 
three o'clock. It is said to be fourteen miles from Paliam. The 
chief man of the place, as usual, brought me fruit, and procured 
whatever else I required. 
