SERINGAPATAM. 
87 
CHAPTER VII. 
SERINGAPATAM. HYDER ALI. TIPPOO. 
Before we proceed, it will not be out of place to 
give a short account of the capital of Mysore. At the 
spot near which this city stands the river Cavery 
branches off into two streams : these, after diverging 
obliquely to the right and left, again move towards 
each other ; then, after a course of about four miles 
and half, unite, enclosing the city of Seringapatam 
which stands upon a conical island, about half a 
league wide at the upper end, and a league and half 
in length. The Cavery is here of considerable width, 
and pours a large body of water rapidly through a 
deep channel, interrupted by huge fragments of rock, 
over and between which, during the periodical rains, 
the river struggles and foams with great turbulence. 
The island of Seringapatam is low, and extremely 
unhealthy. The jungle fever, induced by the malaria 
so constantly rising from this flat unwholesome spot, 
is very prevalent ; and those whom it has once attack- 
ed seldom entirely recover from its pernicious effects. 
The country in the immediate neighbourhood of this 
city is watered by canals, which are supplied by the 
river. Dams are thrown across the stream, and the 
