Harkness, Henry: A description of a singular aboriginal race inhabiting the summit of the Neilgherry Hills, or Blue Mountains of Coimbatoor, in the Southern Peninsula of India (London, 1832)

6 INHABITANTS.

more generally known among the original inhabitants
by the name of Mheur, or rainy; and whose peaks, mostly
hidden in clouds, seem, when they do appear, to be of
height superior to that of Dodabetta.*

This range, and indeed the whole of the surface of
the hills, is intersected by many streams of the purest
water, some falling into the Pykari, while another
rivulet falls on the opposite side into the Moyar, of
which it forms the principal source. Many of these
streams also, are lost in the unknown depths of the
morasses; while others, following a devious and eccentric
course, often form very grand falls, and find their way
into either of the rivers before mentioned, that sweep
round the base of the mountains.

The appearance of the Tudas, who may be considered
the original inhabitants of the hills, is certainly very
prepossessing. Generally above the common height,
athletic, and well made, their bold bearing, and open and
expressive countenances, lead immediately to the conclu-
sion that they must be of a different race to their neigh-

* The superficies of this, and generally of the other mountains, con-
sists of a rich mould, from a. foot and a half or two feet, to eight or
ten in depth, even to their summits. Next to this is a substratum of red
argillacious sand-stone, varying in depth very considerably, and below,
the granite rock.

In some parts the rock is not to be met with, till after proceeding
to a very great depth ; in others, and in particular as you descend
towards the plain, it shews itself nearer the surface, and in some
instances above it.