Ganges and Burrampooter Rivers. 8^ 
tious, 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) diffusing plenty 
immediately by means of its living productions ; 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 
ports, and ferves in the capacity of a military way through the . 
country ; renders unneceflary the forming of magazines ; and 
infinitely furpaffes the celebrated inland navigation of North 
America, where the carrying places not only obftruct 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, fome 
of which are equal to the Rhine, and none fmaller than the 
* The fabulous account of the origin of the Ganges (as communicated by 
my learned and ingenious friend c. w. bough ton rouse, Efq.) is, that it flows- 
out of the foot of Befchan * (from whence, fay the Bramins, it has its name 
Padda ; that word ftgnifying foot in the Sanfcrit language) ; and that in its 
courfe to the plains of Hindooftan it pafles through an immenfe rock fliaped 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 
beftowing it : for it defcribes the blefling as flowing purely from his bounty and 
goodnefs. 
The rock before mentioned has, I believe, never been vifited by any European; 
and is even allowed by moft of the natives to bear no refemblarice to the obje£t 
from whence it is denominated. However, as the effe&s of fuperftition do often 
long furvive the illuflons that gave it birth, the rock or cavern ftill preferves the 
name of Gwumooky , or Cow’s-head. 
* Befchan is the farae with Viftnou, the preserving deity. 
Vol. LXXI. N 
Thames. 
