Ganges and Burrampooter Rivers. 
fcious, yet gladdened, inhabitant of Hindooftan From Hurd- 
war (or Hurdoar) in latitude 30°, where it gufhes through an 
opening in the mountains, it flows with a fmooth navigable 
ftream through delightful plains during the remainder of its 
courfe to the fea (which is about 1350 miles) diffufing plenty 
immediately by means of its living produdlibns ; and feconda- 
rily by enriching the adjacent lands, and affording an eafy 
means of tranfport for the productions of its borders. In a 
military view, it opens a communication between the different 
pofts, and ferves in the capacity of a military way through the. 
country ; renders unneceflary the forming of magazines ; and 
infinitely furpafTes the celebrated inland navigation of North 
America, where the carrying places not only obftrudt the pro- 
grefs of an army, but enable the adverfary to determine his 
place and mode of attack with certainty. 
In its courfe through the plains, it receives eleven rivers, forne 
of which are equal to the Rhine, and none fmaller than the 
* The fabulous account of the origin of the Garlges (as communicated by 
my learned and ingenious friend c. w. bqughtoJt rouse, Efq.) is, that it flows 
out of the foot of Befchan * (from whence, fay the Bramins, it has its name 
Padda; that word fignifying foot in the Sanfcrit language); and that in its 
courfe to the plains of Hindooftan it pafles through an immenfe rock fhaped like 
a Cow’s-head. 
The allegory is highly expreflive of the veneration which the Hindoos have for 
this famous ftream ; and no lefs fo of their gratitude to the Author of Nature for 
bellowing it : for it defcribes the bleffing as flowing purely from his bounty and 
goodnefs. 
The rock before mentioned has, I believe, never been vlfited by any European ; 
and is even allowed by moil of the natives to bear no refemblance to the object 
from whence it is denominated. However, as the effects of fuperftition do often 
long furvive the illufions that gave it birth, the rock or cavern fill preferves the 
name of Gowmooky , or Cow’s-head. 
* Befchan is the fame with Vitlnon, the preserving deity. 
Vol. LXXL N Thames, 
