30 
A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
CHAPTER structed like those below the Ghats. The rice now on the fields 
L looks well, but cannot occupy more than a twentieth part of the 
arable lands. At present the dry fields look very ill, being quite 
parched up ; for the want of water seems to be the predominant 
feature of the eastern part of the upper Carnatic. Were it not 
that the slovenly cultivation, in use here, leaves a few straggling 
bushes in the midst of their fields, the whole would be entirely 
bare, and devoid of vegetation. These lands appear, however, to 
be perfectly fitted for the English manner of cultivation ; and in 
order to preserve some moisture in the ground, they ought to be 
enclosed with hedges, and planted with hedge-rows. The Euphor- 
bium Tirucalli , common in the country, makes a beautiful fence ; 
and I think it probable, that the mahogany and chesnut would be 
found to answer in hedge-rows, as they are both natives of hilly 
countries, and warm climates. 
Vencataghery was formerly the usual residence of the Pedda 
Naieka Polygar, and the ruins of his fort are still conspicuous. It 
is built on a rising ground, and consists of various enclosures, sur- 
rounded by walls of mud and stone, flanked by towers and bastions, 
that rise higher and higher as you advance inwards, till you come 
to the central enclosure, which contained the Raja's dwelling. 
There have been in this place three small temples, two of which 
are preserved. The remains of this palace do not indicate that it 
ever possessed any grandeur, few of the rooms being more than 
seven or eight feet square. The outer enclosures contain much 
ground formerly occupied by the town, which is now reduced to 
one street of shops. The houses are much inferiour to those in the 
Tamul villages. They are built of mud, with thatched roofs;' but 
do not surround a square court; nor have they any Verandah to 
keep off the sun or rain. The inhabitants are almost all Pelingas, or 
Gentoos as the English of Madras call this nation. 
Near Vencataghery also iron is smelted from black sand; and mixed 
with the soil of different fields, lime-stone, in form of nodules, is 
Vencata- 
ghery, 
Minerals. 
