463 
contain Hymenodyction excelsum, and other species of the Cinchona 
family. Heavy rains, evidently the breaking up of the south- 
west monsoon, fell continuously during the period of our stay in 
these upper regions. The want of shelter, and the difficulty of 
procuring supplies, prevented us from proceeding to the highest 
parts of the range, which appeared to be about twelve miles in a 
south-east direction from the extreme point the party reached. We 
therefore reluctantly returned to the low country without fully at- 
taining our object, having been absent eight days. Three distinct 
tribes inhabit the Anamalai hills ; they are denominated Kaders, 
Paliars, and Malsars. The Kaders perform no menial labour; 
as their name implies, they are the lords of the hills; they will carry 
a gun, and loads also as a favour, and are expert at stalking game, 
but are deeply offended if they are called coolies. They are a 
truthful, trustworthy, and obliging tribe, and exercise some in- 
fluence over the Paliars and Malsars. Small in stature, their fea- 
tures resemble the African ; they have curly hair tied in a knot be- 
hind, and file the four front teeth of the upper jaw to a point, as a 
marriage ceremony. The upper ranges are in undisturbed possession 
of wild beasts ; we saw a large herd of bison, with samber and ibex 
in numbers, and also traces of wild elephants. 
The soil on the summit of these fine mountains is deep, and 
covered with good pasture. Streams of water are numerous, and 
flow throughout the year. From the extent of forest, the resem- 
blance of the Flora to that of Ceylon and the corresponding altitude, 
these hills seem suitable for the cultivation of coffee on a large scale, 
and for colonisation of small communities of Englishmen. 
3. On the Contractions suffered by Sulphuric Acid on being 
mixed with Water. By Dr Lyon Playfair, C.B. 
4. On the Constitution of Anthracene or Paranaphthaline, 
and some of its Products of Decomposition. By Professor 
Anderson. 
The following Gentleman was elected a Fellow of the 
Society : — 
3 Q 
VOL. IV. 
Alex. E. Mackay, M.D., B.N. 
