MONKEYS. 
209 
strongly cemented together, that there is not the 
slightest appearance of decay. The masonry is en- 
tirely without ornament, but is still very imposing 
from its stern simplicity and massive strength : it is a 
fine specimen of ancient military architecture. 
The summit of the hill, on which the fort of Rhotas 
now stands, is about nine hundred feet above the 
level of the plain. It is the greatest elevation in 
this part of the country, and commands a grand and 
extensive prospect. We found the place altogether 
so agreeable, that we ordered our camp-equipage to 
be brought to the fort, within which we pitched our 
tents, and took possession of an old palace then in a 
state of great dilapidation, yet sufficiently entire to 
afford us a satisfactory abode for several days. In 
consequence of its great elevation, we escaped the 
general annoyance from reptiles to which all persons 
who inhabit old buildings in India are especially 
liable ; in short, there was nothing to disturb the 
serenity of our repose save the chattering of legions 
of monkeys which had colonised the neighbouring 
glen, inhabiting the trees that grew from the sloping 
sides of the precipice beneath the fort. These ani- 
mals, where they congregate in large numbers, are 
an intolerable annoyance, and their cunning is so 
profound, that it is difficult to banish them from a 
spot of which they have once taken possession. 
