312 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WA YS 
CHAP. 
highest, the Horton Plains, 7000 feet above the 
sea. 
“ Seven hundred feet below the Horton Plains, 
the Totapella Plains and forest continue at this 
elevation as far as Newera Ellia for about 20 
miles, thus forming the second ledge. 
“Six miles to the west of Newera Ellia, at a lower 
level of about 900 feet, the district of Dimboola 
commences, and extends at this elevation over a 
vast tract of forest-covered country, stretching still 
farther to the west, and containing a small propor¬ 
tion of plain. 
“At about the same elevation, 9 miles north of 
Newera Ellia, we descend to the Elephant Plains, 
a beautiful tract of fine grass country, but of small 
extent. This tract and that of Dimboola form the 
third ledge. 
“ Nine miles to the east of Newera Ellia, at a 
lower elevation of 1500 feet, stretches the Ouva 
country, forming the fourth ledge. 
“The features of this country are totally distinct 
from any other portion of Ceylon. A magnificent 
view extends as far as the horizon, of undulating, 
open grass land, diversified by the rich crops of 
paddy which are grown in each of the innumerable 
small valleys formed by the undulations of the 
ground. Not a tree is to be seen, except the low 
brushwood which is scantily distributed upon the 
surface. 
“We emerge suddenly from the forest-covered 
mountains of Newera Ellia, and, from a lofty point 
