separated only by these mountains, sometimes within a few miles 
of each other. The diversity of seasons is caused by the monsoons 
which blow alternately on the coasts of Malabar and Coromandel, 
collecting the clouds, and carrying them towards these alpine 
regions; where being arrested in their progress, they become con- 
densed, and refresh the plains with abundant showers, to for- 
ward cultivation, and insure a harvest. On the western side of 
the peninsula, the south-west monsoon continues this blessing, 
in a greater or less degree, from June to October: the north- 
east monsoon then commences on the coast of Coromandel, and 
produces those fructifying rains over the whole country to the east 
of the Gauls. In Bengal and the northern provinces of libidos- 
tan,, where the mountainous regions no longer exist, the south-west 
monsoon extends its influence, and wafts health and plenty to the 
“ paradise of nations.” 
Early the next morning we proceeded on our journey by 
torch-light, and travelled for some hours, through a barren rocky 
country; after sun-rise we entered a cultivated plain, encircled by 
verdant hills, forming a pastoral landscape; enlivened by villages, 
and a busy peasantry. Before ten o’clock the intense heat com- 
pelled us to halt at Cotar, a village on the banks of Choule river; 
where we found a number of travellers, and droves of oxen, re- 
freshing themselves under a mango grove: we joined their party, 
and after a slight repast enjoyed a comfortable repose, until the 
declining sun permitted us to continue our route along the delightful 
banks of Choule river, winding through a populous and cultivated 
country, protected by two Mahratta fortresses on the hills. 
Several of these small towns and villages were adorned with 
