68 
JOURNAL OF AN EMBASSY 
vanced state of decomposition, in sections of 
the hills formed in making a road last year 
for our artillery. A hill, on which a bat¬ 
tery of eighteen-pounders had been erected by 
our army, commanded an extensive prospect of 
the neighbouring country, which was generally 
uncultivated, and covered with a low forest. It 
was evident that the country, at no distant pe¬ 
riod, had been much better cultivated than at 
present; for, in the tract we passed over in our 
walk, we discovered several plants almost in a 
wild state, which are common objects of cul¬ 
ture, such as indigo, gourds, and two or three 
species of millet. But the most striking proof 
of former industry was afforded by the remains, 
a short way from the town, of an embankment, 
to all appearance a mile in length, and which, 
with the neighbouring hills, formed a Tank, 
constructed seemingly for the purpose of irriga¬ 
tion. It was now out of repair, and contained 
no water, although it was the height of the 
rainy season. The people treated us in our 
walk to-day with the same kindness and civi¬ 
lity as yesterday. Not a rude or offensive 
word or gesture escaped from any one. At 
the bottom of the range of hills, in a very 
pretty spot, shaded by some noble tamarind 
