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m<OU 158882 >m 

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Barton, Son & Co. 

OOTACAMUND 



JEWELLERS, GOLD AND SILVERSMITHS, WATCH- 
MAKERS AND OPTICIANS, MASONIC JEWELLERS 
AND CLOTHIERS, AND IMPORTERS OF FANCY GOODS 

SPECIAL TERMS TO GYMKHANAS AND CLUBS 

A large selection of Silver and 1C P Goods always on hand, suitable 
for presentation. Golf Requisites and Hunting Crops, etc , stocked- 
CATALOGUES SENT ON APPLICATION 

HII Articles Sola at Bangalore Prices 

Ten per cent Discount allowed for Cash or V.P.P 



OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 



Nilgiri General Agency 

Near Station Hospital 

WELLINGTON 



Always in Stock 



A Choice Variety of Presentation Articles in 
INDIAN AND CHINESE SILVER 
CHINESE SILKS AND EMBROIDERIES 
ENGLISH ELECTRO-PLATED NICKEL SILVER 



Also in Stock 



CROCKERY, CUTLERY, GLASS WARE - 
STATIONERY, FANCY GOODS 
LEATHER GOODS, ENGLISH BOOTS & SHOE5 
MILLINERY, HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY 
TOILET REQUISITES, DOLLS, TOYS 
ATHLETIC GOODS, PROVISIONS, Etc. - 



ADVKKriSKMKNTS 



E. SETON SMITH & Co., 

MOTOR & GENERAL ENGINEERS 

Government Mail Motor Contractors, Motor Service Contractors 



The Only Ftttn ihnt undertakes /? pairs under Guiii-iinte?' NO CURE, NO PAY' 



< 



Agents in the Nilgiri District for 

DODGE BROS., SRIPPS-BOOTH, FORD, 
MAXWELL, HUPMOBILE, OAKLAND 
and other popular cars 



^^ 
^ 

^f 




ALL CARS FOR HIRE ARE SMART IN APPEARANCE AS ABOVE, 

RELIABLE, AND FAST, IN SHORT, LIKE PRIVATE VEHICLES, UNDER 

THE CARE OF THE BEST DRIVER THAT GOOD WAGES AND GOOD 

TREATMENT CAN SECURE. 



< 



Filtrate and Vacuum Motor Oils and Greases 
B. O. C. Petrol by day or night. 

North British, Clincher, Michelin and Goodrich 
Motor Tyres stocked, 

FORD SPARESA very complete stock always held ; also spares for 
Maxwells, Hupmobiles, Studebakers arid Overlands. 




OOTACAMUND 

Branch at COIMBATORE 



'Phone No. 2 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



HILL GROVE HOTEL, Coonoor 



ESTABLISHED 1872 

Over tbirty-fiw Years under Present management 

PATRONIZED BY 

H.E. THE DUKE OF BUG KIN Gil AM & CHANDOS, G.C.S.I. ; H.E. THE 

RIGHT HON'BLE SIR ROBERT BURKE ; BARO*N CONNEMARA, 

G.C.I. E. ; H.E. LORDWENLOCK, G.C.I.E. ; H.E. SIR ARTHUR 

EL1BANK HAVELOCK, G.C.M.G., G.C.I. K. , H.E, LIEUT. 

GENERAL SIR CHARLES GEORGE ARBUTHNOT ; 

H.E. THE IION'BLE SIR JAMES CHARLMAGNE 

DORMER, K.C.H. ; H.E. SIR ARTHUR LAWLEY, 

K.G.M.G., G.C.I.K. , THE RIGHT REVEREND 

BISHOP CELL (Late Lord Bishop o/ 

Madras) ; THE RIGHT REVEREND 

DK. WHITEHEAD (Lord Bishop 

of Madras) ; R. H. ELLIOT, 

THE HON'BLE 
MRS. ELLIOT ; AND 
OTHER NOTABLE 
PERSONAGES. 




MOST CENTRALLY SITUATED 

Within a few minutes walk of Club, Roller Rink, Assembly Rooms, 

Library, Gymkhana, Golf Links, Churches, Pasteur Institute, 

Post Office and European Business Houses 



J916 Edition 1916 Edition 

THE 

NILGIRI GUIDE 

AND DIRECTORY 

A HANDBOOK 
OF-GBNERAL INFORMATION 

UPON THE NILGIRIS 
FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS 

BY 

J. S. C EAGAN 



PRICE RUPEES TWO & ANNAS EIGHT. 

JKaftras 

PUBLISHED AT THE S.P.C.K. PRESS, VEPERY 

1916 

CopyrigJit Registered 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



Hanson Hotel, Coonoor 




Most centrally situated, Excellent Accommodation. 
Under European Management. Terms Moderate. 



Apply MANAGERESS. 



A Reliable Typewriter Supply Agency 

IF YOU WANT A New Typewriter, Secondhand and Rebuilt 
Typewriters, Typewriters on Monthly Hire, 

IF YOUR Typewriter is Out of Order, Typewriter requires Repairs, 

IF YOU WANT Typewriter Accessories, Typewriter Duplicators, 
Typewriter Manifolding Papers, any Typewriting Job work to be done, 
500 or 1,000 Typewriting Circulars to be done. Commercial and 
Shorthand Books, Fountain Pens and Typewriter Stationery, to Learn 
Shorthand and Typewriting, Male Shorthand Writers and Typists, Lady 
Shorthand Typists, any requirements in the Typewriter Line, 

Apply to Y* NARAYAN, 

(Sole Apent) 

UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITERS 

3 Esplanade Row, Georgetown, MADRAS. 

State having seen this Advertisement in this Book. 



PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION 

TliJi. issue of a second edition of any hook is naturally a sub-J 
ject of congratulation for the author, for it is the best proof; 
possible that the work has justified its existence. It is also* 
with a sense of satisfaction that the Publisher sees this newi 
edition of the 'N1LGIKI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY' pass 
through the Press and into the hands of the public. More 
than this, it is felt that, as a general handbook of the Nilgiris,, 
this work has met with a measure of appreciation at the hands 
of both residents and visitors more 4 perhaps than it dcser-* 
ved. Many have spoken in the highest terms oi it, and the fact; 
that the original edition was completely sold out, and is conse-i 
quently ' out of print ', is a further manifestation that the book, 
has served the purpose for which it was intended. It can only 
be hoped that the present edition will meet with a similar 
reward. 

In all this, as part Author, as well as Editor and Publisher, 
I feel that any success that this Edition (as the last) may 
achieve, is due mostly to the many friends who have contribut- 
ed chapters and notes towards its subject-matter, to the 
photographic artists who have kindly given of their best towards 
its illustration, and to the Business Houses who have accorded 
it their support. Without the co-operation of these, the Book^ 
in its present form, would have been impossible. I can only 
accord them, once again, my best thanks for their assistance, 
noting their names in another place. Finally, I must thank 
my good friends Mr. H. H. Bicknell and Mr. Geo. Kenneth, 
as representing the S.P.C.K. Press, Madras, for their kind help 
and guidance in the format of the book, as well as for the very 
able and energetic interest that they have taken in the actual 
production of it. But the S.P.C.K. Press needs no recom- 
mendation from me every line and every page of the work are 
here to speak for themselves. I may conclude by merely 
remarking, like the gentleman before the final drop of the cur- 
tain : * Thanking you one and all. . . .' 

April, 1916 J.S.C.E, 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



CAROLINA TEA ESTATE, COONOOR 

Most Modern Machinery. Tea Rollers turned by Steam Power 

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME 



LI ST 
JANUARY, 1916 



No. 


QUALITY 


Lead Foil 
Pkts. per 
b or51b 
Tins 


Papers 
per Ib. 


Loose m 
Chests 
per Ib. 


One Ib. 
Tins per 
Ib. 






RS 


A 


KS 


A 


RS 


A 


RS 


A 


1 


Orange Pekoe 


1 


3 


1 


2 


1 


1 


1 


4 


2 


Broken Pekoe 





15 





14 





13 


1 





3 


Pekoe Souchong 





14 





13 





12 





15 


4 


Congou 





12 





11 





10 





13 


5 


Dust 





12 





11 





10 





13 


6 


Family Mixture 





13 





12 





11 





14 


7 


Unassorted Tea 





13 





12 





11 





14 



2 8 
6 12 
12 



Coffee 



Roasted and ground, one quality 

only (the best) per 1 Ib. tin 1 
Raw Coffee at 25 Ibs. maund 14 



Eucalyptus Oil 

Per bottle of 24 oz. 

3 bottles 

6 

Packing extra 
Tins, 2 As. per bottle extra. 

This cancels all other lists, terms, free on rails, Coonoor 

Discounts: 5 per cent on 50 Ibs. and over i 

10 on 100 ,, ., \ 2$ per cent for cash 

15 ,, on 1,000 ,, ' 

... -r T- A r> Apply THE MANAGER, 

5 Ibs. empty Tea Tins As. 12 vv J f 

2 ,. 6 Carolina Tea Estate, 

nh 4 Coonoor, Nilgiris 

Tea sent to any address in the United Kingdom, all charges prepaid. 
Mrs. T. Brown, Carolina, Coonoor, takes a few paying-guests <" Rs. 75 per mensem. 




ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

THE Editor desires to express his sincere thanks to those gentlemen 
who have helped him in the production of this Guide and Directory, 
as follows : 

Major R. Bryson, F.R.C.S.K., I. M.S., for his Monograph on 
Nilgiri Sanitaria. 

K. Kangachari, Esq., M.A., for the chapter on Botany. 
L. Leigh Smith, Esq., M.A., for the chapter on Geology. 

Major G. Sturrock, K.A., A. H. Hull, Esq., and Geo. Oakes, 
Esq., for valuable notes in the chapter * District Roads and 
Itinerary of Routes. ' 

A. T. W. Penn, Esq., for the use of a very large selection of 
his beautiful photograph landscape studies which illustrate the 
book, and, in the same connexion, to S. Boesinger, Esq., for 
several Coonoor views. 

Geo. Kenneth, Esq., for his very kind supervision of the work. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



EUCALYPTUS OIL 

FELIXSTOWE LABORATORY, CAROLINA 
TEA ESTATE, COONOOR 



The Largest Eucalyptus Factory on the hills 
Oil made by the best procurable stills, of the purest quality 



PRICE, LIST 

RS A F 

For 1 bottle of 24 oz. ... ... 2 8 

3 bottles ,, ,, .. ... 6 12 

6 bottles ... ... 12 

Lowest price Rs. 2 per 24 oz. bottle. 

Packing bottles 8 As. per 12 bottles. 

TERMS, FREE ON RAILS -COONOOR. CASH or V.P.P. 

In 24-oz. Tins, 2 As. per tin extra 

Where there is no railway station the oil may be sent by 
post in tins. Packing 6 As. Postage Rs. 1-2 per four tins. 



HOUSES FOR SALE 



Three Houses in Coonoor. 

The Mount Road Boarding House. 

Sans Souci Poultry Farm. 



Apply - 

CAROLINA ESTATE, 

COONOOR. 



INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 

PAGE 

V. C. Bullmorc ... ... ... 192 

Vddison & Co., Madras ... ... ... ... Facing 183 

Vdchson & ("o , Ltd., Ootacarnund ,7.. ... ... j ,, 168 

Barton, Son & Co., Ootacamuml ... ... Inside Front Cover 

31ue Mountain Hotel, Kotagin 
?>Jue Mountain Hotel, Kotagin 

[Jlue Mountain Uakrry, Ootacamund ... ... Pacing 181 

Carolina Tea Estate, Coonoor ... ... ... vi 

Carolina Tea Estate, Coonoor ... ... ... viii 

Centre Hotel, Ootacamund ... ... ... Pacing 169 

D. Morrison & Co., Madras ... ... ... xii 

Dunlop Rubber Co , Ltd., Madras ... ... ... Pacing 187 

K. Seton. Smith & Co., Ootacamund... ... ... i 

Glen dale Teas ... ... ... ... pacing 190 

Glen view Hotel, Coonoor ... ... ... ,, 185 

Hanson Hotel, Coonoor ... ... ... rv 

Harrison & Co., Madras ... ... ... Pacing 180 

Henry's Great Indian Remedies Co , Madras ... Inside of Back Cover, 

Hill Grove Hotel, Coonoor ... ... ... ii 

Hill Grove Hotel, Coonoor ... ... ... pacing 173 

Hill Grove Hotel, Coonoor 

J. R. Donmson, Coonoor ... ... ... , , 176 

Lawrence & Mayo, Madras ... ... ... ,, 174 

McDowell & Co., Ltd., Madras ... ... ... ,, 203 

Misqmth & Co., Ootacamund ... ... ... ,, 175 

Mahomed Sait & Sons, Coonoor ... ... ... ,, 181 

Nilgiri General Agency, Wellington ... ... Inside Front Cover 

Nursing Home. Ootacamund ... ... ... xviii 

Oakcs & Company, Limited, Madras... ... ... xiv 

Ootacamund arid Nilgin Press ... ... ... \ 

P. Orr & Sons, Ltd., Madras 

R. Maclure, Madras ... ... ... ... Facing 193 

Rose & Crown Brewery, Yellanhalh ... 

S.P.C.K. Press, Madras, N.C. ... ... ... Pacing 204 

Simpson & Co., Ootacamund ... ... ... xvi 

Simpson & Co., Ootacamund ... ... ... Facing 167 

Shell' Motor Spirit ... ... ... ... ,, 179 

St. Joseph's College, Coonoor ... ... ... ,, 188 

Sylk's Hotel, Ootacamund ... , ... *., ,. 178 

The Coonoor Emporium ... 

The Fir Grove Hotel, Ootacamund ... ... ... Facing 171 

The Motor House, Madras ... ... ... ,, 186 

The Sun Typewriter, Madras ... ... ... ., 202 

The Underwood Typewriter Agency, Madras ... ... ,, 190 

Watts & Co., Ootacamund ... ... ... ,, 182 

Westward Ho, Ootacamund ... ... ' ... ' 172 

W. K. Smith & Co., Madras ... ... ... 14 

Willie Burke ', Madras, Ootacamund and Coonoor ... Facing 170 

Y. Narayan, Typewriter Supply Agency, Madras... ... ^ 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



The 



Ootaoimund & Nilgiri Press 



Printers 

Publishers - - - 

machine Rulers 

Bookbinders 

Die Sinbers and - 

Copperplate 
Printers 




OOTACAMUND A 
COONOOR 



Publishers of the 
South of India 
Observer, the 

only paper on the 
Nilgiris established 
for fifty years. 

We carry the 
largest and most 
varied stock of sta- 
tionery on the hills 
at prices that will 
be found most 
favourable, consid- 
ering the present 
situation of the 
paper market. 



Picture framing. w c stock a iar ge and 

varied collection of picture moulding ; also 
American picture glass. 

We also carry a special selection of 
Fancy Goods, Winsor & Newton's oil and 
water colours, etc., etc. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION... ... ... v 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ... ... ... ... vii 

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS ... ... ... ... ix 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ... ... ... ... xiii 

BOOKS OF REFERENCE ... ... ... ... xv 

INTRODUCTION ... ... ... ... 1 

THE NILGIRIS : GENERAL DESCRIPTION .. .. 5 

THE NILGIRI RAILWAY ... ... ... ... 13 

CLIMATE AND SANITARIA ... ... ... ... 19 

NILGIRI SANITARIA ... ... ... ... 25 

OOTACAMUND ... ... ... ... 29 

COONOOR ... ... ... .., 59 

KOTAGIRI ... ... ... ... 76 

LESSER STATIONS AND DAK BUNGALOWS ... ... 80 

DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES ... 82 

THE HILL TRIBES ... ... ... ... 99 

BOTANY ... ... ... ... 120 

GEOLOGY ... ... ... ... 128 

ZOOLOGY ... ... ... ... 132 

GAME OF THE NILGIRIS ... ... ... ... 138 

THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION ... ... ... 145 

BUNGALOWS AND REST-HOUSES IN THE NILGIRIS ... 162 
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY : 

OOTACAMUND ... ... ... ... 167 

COONOOR ... ... ... ... 174 

KOTAGIRI ... ... ... ... 179 

CORDITE FACTORY, ARUVANKADU ... ... 181 

PLANTERS' DIRECTORY ... ... ... ... 183 

ESTATES DIRECTORY ... ... ... ... 187 

APPENDIX I ... ... ... 201 

APPENDIX II ... ... ... .. 203 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



D. MORRISON & CP 


35, Mount Road, MADRAS 

>> 


MM 


1 


*** 

i 

Civil and Military Tailors 
Gentlemen's 
Complete Outfitters 



/ 


M 

r> 






Saddlery 
Boots and Shoes 










Travelling Requisites 
Rugs, etc. 

British Manufacturers' 
Representatives 










Army and Railway 
Clothing Contractors 




^ * 


** Home-going Outfits 
A. Speciality 



^ 







LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Pacing Page 

A Kundah Stream ... 5 

Sunset on the Kunclahs ... 7 

The Pykara River ... r > 

Scene on the Nilgiri Railway ... 13 

Do do ... K> 

(General View of Ootacamund ... 2^ 

Government House, Ootacamund 33 

St Stephen's Church ... 3-1 

Charing Cross ... 36 

Nilgiri Library 36 

St Stephen's Church 36 

Ootacamund Downs . ., 43 

Above Kulhutti Falls ... 47 

Coonoor Railway Station . . 5'J 

Sim's Park Fernerv --- $ l * 

The Pasteur Institute - 6i 

The Coonoor Club ... 61 

The Coonoor Library 61 j 

All Saints' Church, Coonoor ... 63 j 

The Race Course, Wellington ... 66 

The Sim's Park Lake ... 68 

Dolphin's Nose - 70 

Lambs Rock ... 70 

A Quiet Pool ... 73 

Karten Waterfall ... 73 

'Upper and Lower Twin Falls 

with Law'% Falls ... ... 74 

Kungaswamy's Pillar 
Falls of Darkness 



Facing Page 

Wellington Church and Panorama. 80 

Wellington Barracks ... 81 

The Main Chat Road ... 82 

Lovedale Road ... 87 

Crest of Aqueduct Hill ... 87 

TheOoty Road ... 87 

Kulhutti Falls ... 90 

Toda Belle ... 99 

Toda Beau ... 99 

(ironp of Todas ... 99 

Toda Women Greeting ... 99 

Toda Woman saluting her lord. 100 

Badaga saluting his acknowledged 

superior, the Toda ... 100 

Makurti Leak - ... 103 

Kot.i Musicians ... 105 

hulas ... 11 j 

Pad a gas ... ] 1J 

Badaga Funeral Car ... 117 

Sunset Rose Tree ... 120 

View of Lambs Rock, etc. ... 128 

Wild Boar ... JJ9 

Pear ... 139 

Sam bin ... J39 

Tiger ,.. 140 

Leopard -.. 140 

Hyena ... HO 

Bison ... 142 

Leopard H^ 

Elephant ... -H/J 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



COX'S AIR GAS SYSTEM OF LIGHTING 



An economical and independent Air Gas Service for 
Bungalows, Factories and other Private and Public Insti- 
tutions. 

Simplest to operate, cheap to instal and most economical 
in annual up-keep. 

About Rs. 700 for a 30-light- mstaljation excluding 
connections, burners, etc. 

Why should you put off having your house fitted for 
Air Gas Lighting? Just see how little it costs and what 
brilliant light it produces. We supply the Arc Lamps and 
Completely Enclosed Burners specially constructed for 
Cox's Air Gas and while the former give the best light 
for the least money stormproof and adapted for exterior 
or interior lighting, the latter are specially designed for 
India and Tropical climates as being draught, punkha 
and insect proof. 



Perfectly Hygienic 

No atmospheric poison- 
ing. It does not vitiate or 
dry up the atmosphere, 
whether in lighting or heat- 
ing. 



Unparalleled Economy 

Substantial decrease 
effected. The larger the 
present expenditure thegrea- 
ter will be the proportionate 
saving. 



Write to us and we will explain how and why it is 
hygienic and economical. 

Enquiries are earnestly solicited and estimates will be 
gladly submitted free of all charges. 



Just send for fuller particulars to : 

OAKES & COMPANY, LIMITED 

Engineers and General Hardware Merchants 
9, Broadway, Madras. 



BOOKS OF REFERENCE 

As a handbook of general information, the Nilgiri Guide and 
Directory has touched upon the principal features of many subjects 
which space has prevented it from enlarging upon : its object, indeed, 
has been to give in as comprehensive but concise a form as possible 
a general account of all those features pertaining to the district 
which may be of use or interest to the Resident or Visitor. Those 
who become interested in any particular subject, and who, as a 
consequence, wish to pursue it further, will usually find full scope 
for their fancy among the many elaborate publications that have 
appeared from time to time with reference to the Nilgiris. For 
this purpose the following books, which may usually be obtained at 
the Ootacamund or Coonoor libraries, are mentioned : 

GENERAL MANUALS 

The Neiigherries : (K. BAIKIE, Esq., M.D., Pub. 1857). A 
little volume dealing with the conditions of its day, as pertaining to 
the European communities of the district ; and containing many 
interesting meteorologicaLirecords dating back to the year 1831. 
Its ancient table of routes, and conditions of travel are entertaining. 

A Manual of the Nilagiri District (H. B. GRIGG, B.A., Oxon., 
Pmb. 1880). A most elaborate and well-edited work, covering the 
entire district, and dealing with every phase and condition of the 
country and people. The Editor of this volume is greatly indebted 
to this work for a fund of valuable information, from which he has 
borrowed freely. 

Gazetteer cf the Niligiri District (W. FRANCIS, I.C.S., 1908). 
An up-to-date manual, written upon the same lines as Mr. Grigg's, 
but more concise in its general make-up. To this work also the 
Editor owes his grateful acknowledgment, and readers of the 
1 Guide ' are particularly recommended to refer to it for any point 
of information upon the present administration of the district. 

Ootacamund, A History : (SlR FREDERICK PRICE, 1908). A 
large, and most beautifully illustrated volume well meriting, in its 
subject matter, the claim of its title. No admirer of that charming 
station, or of the district generally, should fail to procure this 
magnificent work. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



SEE THE BEAUTIES OF THt NILGIRIS 

By MOTOR CAR 



Up-to-date Cars for hire can be procured 

from Messrs. Simpson t> Co., Motor Engineers, who 

are the pioneers of the Hiring Business in the 
Hills and maintain a fleet of up-to-date reliable 
cars to undertake every class of work from short 
local runs to long tours embracing Southern 
India by the day, week, or month and visitors 
should write for List of Rates to the undersigned- 




SIMPSON . CO., 

Motor Engineers 

OOTACAMUND 



Telegrams: SIMPSONS/ OOTY 



Telephone No. 3 



BOOKS OF RKFERKNCK xvii 

SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY 

Nilgiri Sporting Reminiscences, (G. A. R. DAWSON, 1880). 
In spite of the somewhat changed conditions since the day of this 
book, much of interest and information may be found in the scholarly 
records of its well -remembered Author. Other books, describing 
sport on the Nilgiris include : Game by ' Hawkeye ' (Gen. RICHARD 
HAMILTON, 1876), The Old Forest Ranger (1853), and My Indian 
Journal (1864), by Col. WALTER CAMPBELL ; Records of Sport in 
Southern India (1892), by General DOUGLAS HAMILTON ; and Sir 
FREDERICK PRICE'S Ootacamund, a History, already referred to. 
Standard accounts on the Zoology of the Nilgiris may be fdtnrd in 
both Mr. Francis, and Mr. Grigg's works above mentioned. 

FLORA 

The standard account of this subject is by Lieut. -Col. R. H. 
Beddome, M.SC., in Mr. Grigg's Manual above mentioned. 

GEOLOGY 

The Report of the Medical Topography of the Neligherry 
Hills, (Government, 1844), * Contains some valuable remarks on 
the geology of the Hills,' says Mr. Grigg. 

Memoirs of Geological Survey, Vol. I, Part II, (HENRY F. 
BLANDFORD, 1858). This comprehensive work (copious extracts 
may be found in Grigg's Manual) forms the standard account of this 
subject, even to this day. 

ETHNOLOGY AND ANTIQUITIES 

Primitive Tribes and Monuments of the Nilagiris, by Mr. J. W. 
BREEKS, the first Commissioner of the District. A well written 
and finely illustrated work which others besides antiquarians and 
ethnologists may find delight in reading. 

Grigg's Manual of the Nilagiri District also contains very full 
accounts of the subjects. 

Other works of reference are, Description of a Singular Ab- 
original Race inhabiting the Summit of the Neilgherry Hills (Capt. 
H. HARKNESS, 1832) ; The Tribes inhabiting the Neilgherry Hills 
(the Rev. F. METZ, 1856) ; Aboriginal Tribes of the Nilgiri Hills 
(Col. Ross-KlNG, 1870) ; A Phrenologist among the Todas (Col, 
W. E. MARSHALL, 1873) ; Madras Museum Bulletins (E. THURS- 
TON) ; The Todas (W. H. R. RIVERS, 1906). 



Aviii 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



NURSING HOME 

OOTACAMUND 

Centrally situated in a sunny, sheltered spot, just above 
St. Stephen's Church (to the left), on Havelock Road, 
Open all the year for the reception of Invalids and 
Convalescents. 




Medical, Surgical, Maternity and Massage Cases undertaken 

Patients may he visited in their own residences 
Emergency & Operation Cases attended to, day or night 
Friends of Patients are accommodated when possible 

Miss BUTCHER 

Principal. 



J 



INTRODUCTION 

THERE is a tendency in modern journalism, especially 
where commercial interests are involved, to exaggerate 
conditions or to embroider facts to the allurement of 
readers ; sometimes to the detriment of their pockets. 
No better example of this can be found than in the most 
attractively designed books and pamphlets, telling of 
' fresh fields and pastures new/ that are sown broad- 
cast over the land generally in the cause of emigration. 
The Editor of this volume, therefore, lest he, too, be 
numbered among the Philistines, has some hesitation in 
bursting into eulogistic language on behalf of his subject. 
No such ignoble motive, however, is likely to be attri- 
buted to the first editor of such a work on the Nilgiris, 
and as the same climatic and natural conditions obtain 
to-day as in the year 1857, the Editor deems it advisable 
to quote, for the benefit of his Readers, portions of 
Mr. W. H. Smoult's introductory chapter in his edition 
of Dr. Baikie's book, The Neilgherries, which was 
published in the year mentioned. In opening Mr. 
Smoult says : 

' Strange as it may appear, the fact is indubitable, 
that the Indian community, generally, are not aware of 
a region within their reach, of easy access, possessing a 
climate acknowledged, and by meteorological observa- 
tion proven to be, the most equable in the world, and 
fully as bracing and strengthening as that of any part of 
Great Britain. . . . Many have visited the spot, but 
few, comparatively are acquainted with the existence of 



2 INTRODUCTION 

such sources of information regarding it ; and fewer still 
of the visitors, have contributed their mite toward bring- 
ing to the notice of their fellow-exiles, that there is a 
pure air and restoring climate at their command, where 
they themselves have regained all of which the withering 
heat and enervating damp of the plains had contrived to 
rob them.' 

' The lapse of more than twenty years has worked 
great changes [How much more sJiouhl a lapse of 
seventy years have effected ! Ed. :] ; but the climate of 
the Hills remains the same, in all its salubrity. 

4 The late highly distinguished prelate, Bishop James, 
in a letter addressed to the Right llon'ble S. R. 
Lushington, then Governor of Madras, dated Ootaca- 
mund, December 4, 1830, says: "The Hills far 
exceeded anything I allowed myself to expect. 1 have 
been raking my memory for some place to compare 
them with; the closest resemblance I can find is Malvern 
-at the fairest season : but the extent, and bold variety 
give these a decided superiority. I have a fuller sense 
of the enjoyment to be derived from air and exercise 
than I remember to have ever experienced, at any time, 
or any place. " ' 

Such, are the natural conditions of the country, so 
eloquently commented upon, that no further preamble 
seems necessary. It may be remarked, however, that 
while these conditions remained unaltered, the ever- 
increasing popularity of the Nilgiris as a sanitarium, or 
pleasure resort, has enabled the country to keep pace 
with the times in the development of public utilities. 
For instance, the Railway now transports the visitor to 
the very heart of the district ; well appointed clubs, 
libraries, gymkhana grounds, and fine golf links are to 



INTRODUCTION 3 

be found in the principal stations ; above all and in 
this feature no hill station throughout India can compare 
with the Nilgiris throughout the district fine broad 
roads, metalled for the most part, afford motor or carriage 
drives through scenery that is unique in its beauty and 
the variety and grandeur of its landscape. 

To tell, by illustration and description, of the natural 
charms and communal advantages of these delectable 
mountains is the task the Kclitor now has before him ; 
and if, by reason of his efforts, the interests of a small 
part of the great Anglo-Indian community throughout 
this country is served, his labour will have been more 
than repaid. 



THE NILGIRIS : GENERAL 
DESCRIPTION 

Origin of Name District Boundaries Natural Divisions 

Mountain Ranges and Heights Rivers and Streams- 

Waterfalls Lakes Valleys Scenery. 

THE Nilgiris are a mountain block in Southern India, 
formed by the convergence of the two great systems of 
mountain ranges which give rise to the Peninsular : the 
Eastern and Western Ghats. 

The word Nilgiris (formerly spelt Neilgherries, or Origin of 
Nilagiris) is derived from two Sanskrit words ; nilam, Namc 
blue ; and giri, a hill. Thus, the literal significance is, 
The Blue Hills. Whence the name, or by whom it 
was given, is lost in the early history of many centuries 
ago. It has, however, as records show, been in use for 
at least 800 years ; and, whatever its actual history, its 
origin is at once apparent to those who have, at a 
distance, viewed the Hills, rising cool and tranquil, 
enveloped in the peculiar blue haze which usually 
shrouds them. The origin of the name has also been 
attributed to the vast stretches of blue which are 
occasionally to be seen on the Downs, as a result of the 
masses of Strobilanthes blossom (this shrub is interest- 
ing, as it is said to blossom once only every seven years) ; 
but this theory finds no material substantiation, and so 
remains the pretty conceit of a poetic fancy. 

The administrative district of the Nilgiris lies between District 
Latitude ITS' and ll'37 f N. ; and 76'27 and 77*4 E. It Boundaries 
has an area of 957 square miles, In shape it has been 
compared to an irregular rectangular triangle, having its 
base on the western boundary ; its apex at the height 
known as Rangaswami's Peak ; and its longest side 
along the southern boundary. The district is bounded 
on the north by the State of Mysore ; on the north-east, 



6 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

east, arid south by the Coimbatore District ; and on the 
south-west, west, and north-west by the Malabar District. 
The north-western, and south-eastern boundary lines 
are, for the greater part, defined by the converging of 
the Moyar and Bhavani rivers, respectively ; the short 
eastern boundary line connecting the rivers at no great 
Distance from their junction and confluence as a tributary 
of the great Cauvery river. 

Natural Divi- The district, as a whole, is divided into two natural 
sions sections, comprising an upper and a lower plateau. In 

their climates ; flora and fauna ; and in their general 
characteristics, these sections are quite dissimilar : a fact 
which is accounted for in the difference, of about 3,000 
feet, in their respective elevations. 

The lower plateau has an elevation of about 3,000 
feet above mean sea level ; shelving down in long 
reaches to the Mysore and Malabar plateaux beneath. 
It is chiefly important as a tea and coffee producing 
district ; and here its usefulness and interest may be 
said to begin and end. 

The upper plateau has an elevation of about 6,500' 
feet above mean sea level ; and comprises that portion 
of the district with which these pages chiefly deal. In 
extent this plateau occupies about half the area of the 
administrative district, and is placed in the south-east 
part of it. Its general outline is well defined by ranges 
of mountain heights. From Ouchterlony Valley east- 
wards run the precipitous Kundahs, along which passes 
the district boundary line. Following this line a range 
continues northward turning back at a right angle just 
beyond Rangaswami's Peak. Thence, to above Gudalur 
continues another range, with its slopes becoming less 
sheer as another right angled turn finds yet another 
range which joins the Kundahs at the starting point. 
Mountain Technically, the plateau has been described as a ' true 

Ranges and tableland, its average height being very uniform. ' But 
Heights i 

to the ordinary eye its undulations ' appear very hilly ; 

bristling with greater heights. The tableland is divided 
into two tracts by an irregular chain of hills running 



THE NILGIRIS: GENERAL DESCRIPTION 7 

from north to south, known as the Dodabetta Range, 
This range is of supreme importance to the country 
from a climatic point of view, as it forms a natural 
barrier which protects the western tract, which com- 
prises the station and taluk of Ootacamund, from the 
north-east monsoon ; while, on the other hand Coonoor, 
and its taluk, is likewise sheltered from the south-west 
monsoon. Of its heights the most important are Doda- 
betta (big mountain) with an elevation of 8,640 above 
mean sea level ; Elk Hill, 8,090 feet ; Club Hill, 8,030 
feet; Devashohi, 7,41 7; Rallia Hill, 7,375 feet ; Coonoor- 
betta, or Teneriffe, 6,894 feet ; Hulicul Droog, 6,294 
feet; cind Kulakumbai Hill, 5,601 feet. 

West of the Dodabetta range, are a number of heights 
forming connected ranges. Notable among these, and 
well known to the members of the Ootacamund Hunt, 
are Hecuba, called Uland in the maps, 7,793 feet ; 
Kattakadu, or Staircase, so named from its steepness, 
7,933 feet ; and Kulkudi, 8,00.4 feet. 

The Kundahs already mentioned, are the grandest 
and most impressive of the Nilgiri ranges. Mr. Grigg, 
in his Manual of the Nilgiri District, graphically 
describes them as wild, rugged, and precipitous in the 
extreme. In many parts their lofty crags rise almost 
perpendicularly to the height of several thousand feet 
from the Nellambur country beneath. To the distant 
gaze from the west, they appear like the battlemented 
wall of a gigantic fortress. Dense, but entirely green 
tropical forest, interspersed with bamboo, fern and palm 
tree, clothes the ravines, and even the precipitous 
buttress- like spurs, to the very crest of the ghats, the 
eastern face of which is covered only with wiry brownish- 
green grass, in which appear, here and there, dwarfed 
rhododendron and other sub-Alpine shrubs. Its chief 
heights are Kudikadu, 8,497 feet; and Kolari, 8,613 
feet two peaks on the precipitous Avalanche Hill : 
Derbetta, or Bear Hill, 8,304 feet ; and Kolibetta, 8,182 
feet. 

In continuation of the Kundah range, and south of 



8 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

the Ouchterlony Valley, run a line of great peaks the 
chief of which are Pichalbetta, 8,348 feet ; Nilgiri peak, 
8,118 feet; and the famous Mukarti Peak 8,380 feet, 
from which the souls of Todas and their funeral 
sacrificial buffaloes are supposed to leap together into 
the future world. 

Rivers and The streams of the Nilgiris are many ; indeed, as 
Mr. Francis remarks, between almost every pair of 
undulations runs some rivulet or other, and the larger 
of these, with their alternate quiet pools or chattering 
rapids, resemble the burns on a Scotch moor in every- 
thing but their lack of fish.' But rivers are 
comparatively few especially on the main plateau. 
The largest of these is the Pykara river, a fine descrip- 
tion of which is given in Mr. Francis' Gazetteer in 
w r hich he says : The river ' rises on the bleak slopes of 
Mukarti Peak, receives from the east the Krurmund and 
Parsons' valley streams (the latter of which has been 
stocked with rainbow trout), flows past the Pykara 
Travellers' Bungalow, where it is bridged by the road to 
Gudalur, and swarms with carp, winds among the low 
hills searching for a way to the low country, and at last 
plunges through a steep and narrow valley by two fine 
falls, popular picnic spots for Ootacamund folk, of which 
the upper is 180 feet, and the lower 200 feet. Finer 
than either however is the series of great leaps in which 
the river flings itself over the almost sheer side of the 
plateau dov v r n into the Wynaad a short distance further 
on. The dull roar of these can be heard as far away as 
the Gudalur-Mysore road, four miles off, as the crow flies, 
and from that point, frozen by distance, they look like 
some great ice ladder laid against the steep wall of the 
plateau. Thence the Pykara winds in a more leisurely 
way through deep hollows in dense steamy Wynaad 
jungles, suddenly turns eastward, and drops over a con- 
siderable fall near Tippakadu on the Gudalur-Mysore 
road, changes its name to the Moyar, passes down the 
* Mysore ditch ' ; a curious narrow trench with steep 
sides which is very prominent from several points near 



THE NILGIRIS: GENERAL DESCRIPTION 9 

Ootacamund the Connemara Road, for example and 
eventually joins the Bhavani at the eastern foot of the 
plateau. On the plateau the Todas hold this river 
sacred. No pregnant Toda woman dare cross it, and 
the men will neither use its water for any purpose nor 
even touch it, except when compelled to ford it. Then, 
having crossed it, "they turn and make obeisance. Even 
if they cross it by the bridge at the Pykara bungalow, they 
take their right hands from under their mantles as a sign 
of reverence.' 

Continuing along the northern portion of the plateau, 
and following the boundary lines in that direction the 
following rivers are encountered : The Sigur river which 
rises in the slopes above Ootacamund lake, flows in a 
northerly direction, drops over the Kulhutti Falls 
(mentioned later), and, passing the little village of Segur 
at the foot of the ghats whence it derives its name, enters 
the Moyar river. The Mudukadu, draining the district 
known as the Orange valley, forms another tributary of the 
Moyar. On the eastern side of the plateau, the Gathada 
hulla stream, leaping the precipice known as St. 
Catherine's Fail (250 feet), rushes down to join the 
Coonoor river near Mettupalaiyam. From Dolphin's 
Nose, described later, a very fine view of these two 
streams is obtained. The Coonoor stream, which drains 
the slopes of that station and Wellington rushes down 
the Hulicul gorge, where it is joined by the Karteri river, 
flows into the Kullar river at the foot of the ghats, 
which river, again, forms a tributary of the Bhavani. 
This stream is seen nearly all the way of the railroad 
from Mettupalaiyam. The Kulakambai stream, a little 
tributary of the Bhavani river, is worthy of note as 
forming the highest unbroken fall in the district (400 
feet). The Kundah river which also becomes a tributary 
of the Bhavani, flows through a remarkably deep, sheer 
ravine, receiving many lesser streams which drain the 
rainy Kundahs. Another of the principal tributaries of 
the Bhavani, is the Billithada halla, which drains the 
country of the Avalanche valley. 



10 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Waterfalls As will be seen from the accompanying illustrations,, 
the waterfalls of the Nilgiris are most picturesque. 
Theirs is a beauty not of height or volume, but of grace 
of form, enhanced by the charm of the variegated, wood- 
land foliage and flowers which clothe the banks of their 
streams, or by the vast masses of rock over which they 
flow. The highest of them is the Kolakambai Fall, 
north of the hill of that name, which has an unbroken 
fall of 400 feet. Second is St. Catherine's Fall, near 
Kotagiri, 250 feet. The Upper and Lower Pykara falls 
are both fine sights, having falls of 180, and 200 feet, 
respectively. The Kalhutti Fall (170 feet) off the Segur 
Ghat, and its river, are also well worth seeing, and a 
favourite picnic spot. The Karteri Fall, near the village 
of that name, is at present the most important of the 
falls of the Nilgiris, as its waters feed the power station 
which supplies the Cordite Factory with electricity. 
There are numerous lesser falls among which Law's 
Fall, near Coonoor, is interesting, both on account of its 
association with the engineer of the new Coonoor Ghat, 
and as a picnic spot. 

Lakes There are no natural lakes on the plateau, but several 

artificial reservoirs having the usual characteristics have 
been made. The Ooty lake is the largest of these, as it 
is also the most beautiful indeed, it is hard to believe 
that its sinuous smooth water has not been formed 
naturally. In length it is about two miles, and about 300 1 
to 400 yards in breadth. 

Valleys Owing to the undulating form of the country, there 

are few true valleys in the Nilgiris. On the plateau, 
the Kaity valley, stretching away below the Coonoor- 
Ooty railway line, forms an extensive agricultural area- 
The Avalanche valley in the south-west is a famous- 
shooting district. The Kundah and Pykara valleys are 
favourite grazing tracts of the Todas. Below the plateau, 
on the north-east, lies the Orange valley, a district, as 
the name implies, famous for its fruit. At the base of 
the western extremity of the Kundahs the Ouchterlony 
valley stretches. It takes its name from one of the- 



THE NILGIRIS: GENERAL DESCRIPTION 11 

earliest Nilgiri pioneers in tea-growing, Colonel 
Ouchterlony, and this industry still flourishes there. 
Among the valleys, that of the Kundah river might be 
mentioned for scenic beauty ; while there are many 
lesser little valleys among the Hills which call for 
admiration. 

The scenery of the Nilgiris is so diverse and varied Scenery 
that no general description can attempt to cover it. 
This may be readily appreciated when it is realized that 
at the foot of the Hills cocoanut palms and the bamboo 
grow*, while on the hill -tops some species of indigenous 
trees winter, shedding their leaves altogether, as do 
Northern trees. Imported English trees, such as the 
apple, pear, and walnut, also follow their home habit. 
The physical aspect of the country, too, varies greatly ; 
from the many-hued foliage of the jungle trees which 
clothe the sheer sides of the outer rim of the plateau, to 
the vast billowy grass country of the downs. Perhaps 
the finest description of the scenery of the H ills comes- 
from the pen of the late Mr. Breeks, who in his book 
on the Nilgiris says: 'The interior of the plateau 
consists chiefly of grassy undulating hills, divided by 
narrow valleys, which invariably contain a stream or a 
swamp. In the hollows of the hillsides nestle small 
beautiful woods, locally known as Sholas. it is seldom 
that so much variety of beauty is found in so small a 
compass. From the bleak heights of the Kundahs, 
with their storm-beaten moss-hung woods and rank,, 
coarse grass, to the springy turf and many -coloured 
sholas of Ootacamund, and the tropical vegetation of 
the western slopes, every five or ten miles bring the 
traveller to a new climate and a new scenery. Even on 
the summit of the plateau, the rainfall varies with each 
different aspect, and (ranging from about 30 inches to 
150, or more) produces a corresponding range of vegeta- 
tion. It is, however, the views over the edge of the 
tableland that are most singular and striking, from the 
extreme abruptness of their descent. Let a visitor take 
a short ride in almost any direction from almost any 



12 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

part of the plateau, and, passing along English-looking 
shady lanes, sheltered by thickets of blackberry and 
wild rose ; across bare breezy downs sometimes dotted 
with twisted crimson-flowering rhododendron trees, and 
intersected by swampy valleys, where buffaloes wade 
and wallow ; through dense woods carpeted with rare 
beautiful ferns, and gorgeous in spring-tints, beside 
which the colouring of an English autumn is faint and 
dull ; by nati'/e villages with their patches of cultivation 
and their magnificent single trees, he will find himself 
on some ridge or promontory, looking straight down 
from 4,000 to 6,000 feet on a scene that changes like the 
figures in a kaleidoscope. In the morning a sea of 
clouds lies at his feet and gradually rises around him. 
In the afternoon this has cleared away, and reveals, 
perhaps, a vast crimson plain, veiled by dark lines of 
wood, clotted with isolated hummocks like giant ant- 
hills, and terminating in faint blue lines of mountains, 
the furthest of which seem to stand halfway up in the 
sky ; perhaps on a tumbled mass of hills and valleys, a 
perfect dissolving view, for the eye has hardly traced 
the outline of some rocky ridge, glowing red in the 
sunlight, before a blue cloud shadow blots it out, and a 
fresh series of crests and ravines starts into sight beyond. 
Broken peaks hung with wood, frame the picture and on 
.all sides lies tropical sunlight, intensified by the keen 
thin mountain air.' What artist's brush, or poet's pen 
could depict scenes of more ethereal beauty than these ? 
but even as we write we feel the futility of attempting 
to describe what only nature herself can reveal in all the 
fullness of her charm ; the exquisite beauty, grandeur, 
and fascination of the scenery of the Nilgiris must be 
witnessed to be appreciated to any extent. 



THE NILGIRI RAILWAY 

The Proposed ' Rigi ' Line -The Scheme quashed 
The Present Line Construction Ownership- 
Cost Ooty Extension Electrification 
Viaducts and Tunnels The Rack 
System Scenery en route. 

THE completion of the Broad Gauge Branch from The Proposed 
Podanur to Mettupalaiyarn, in the early seventies of the * ^$ ' ^ine 
last century, resulted in various schemes being put 
forward for the construction of a mountain line to con- , 
nect Mettupalaiyam with Ootacamund. The proposals 
which found most favour were those of the Engineer 
who built the Darjeeling Railway, for a narrow gauge 
adhesion line with a ruling gradient of 1 in 25 to be 
constructed on an alignment along the hill slopes of the 
Kotagiri valley and through Wellington to Ootacamund, 
and the scheme of Mr. Riggenbach, who built the well- 
known railways up the Rigi and Pilatus in Switzerland, 
for a railway from Mettupalaiyam to Coonoor 12 miles 
in length, with a gradient on the ghat of 1 in 64- The 
Government of India being unwilling to provide funds 
for either of these projects, the planters and residents 
on the Nilgiri Hills formed a company called the Nilgiri 
Rigi Railway Company, Limited, with the object of 
constructing the line proposed by Mr. Riggenbach, and 
with the permission of Government, the necessary sur- 
veys, plans and sections were made. 

In 1884 the late Mr. Richard Woolley proceeded to The Scheme 
England on behalf of this Company, and obtained, 
from the Secretary of State, a concession for the con- 
struction of the line ; but it was arranged that a new 
company, to be called the Nilgiri Railway Company, 
should carry out the project, and should absorb the 



14 NILGIKI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

original Nilgiri Rigi Railway Company which had 

The Present made the preliminary investigations. The new company 
did not conclude its financial arrangements until 1890, 
and, in the meantime, the Local Government had de- 
cided that a line with a gradient of 1 in 67 was unsuitable 
for the traffic to be carried, and it was ultimately ar- 
ranged that the line should be constructed on the Metre 
Gauge and should be sixteen miles in length, four miles 
between Mettupalaiyam and Kallar, at the foot of the ghat, 
being graded to 1 in 50, and the twelve miles of ghat be- 
tween Kallar and Coonoor having a ruling grade of 1 in 
12iandan average grade of 1 in 15. It was further 
decided that the ghat length should be constructed as an 
Abt rack line with a double set of rack bars laid in the 
centre of the track. 

Construction The survey for this line was made by Mr. W. G. 
Gilchrist, a State Railway Engineer, whose services 
were lent to the Company as Engineer-in-Chief, and the 
first sod was cut by Lord Wenlock, Governor of Madras, 
on August 3, 1891. Mr. Gilchrist's association with 
the Railway terminated in February, 1892, and he was 
replaced as Engineer-in-Chief by Mr. Weight man, 
another Government Engineer with a special knowledge 
of mountain railways, under whose supervision the 
construction of the railway was completed in 1898. 

Ownership The line was then handed over to the Madras Railway 
Company to work for the owning company, but a few 
days after being opened for traffic the way and works 
suffered severe damage in a cyclonic storm, and exten- 
sive restoration and protective works had to be con- 
structed, which prevented traffic being resumed until 
June, 1898. 

Since the reopening, traffic has been carried on con- 
tinuously, except for a few days at a time during the 
north-east monsoon rains, when the line is periodically 
blocked by slips from the hill slopes above the railway. 

Cost The cost of constructing the Mettupalaiyam-Coonoor 

length was rupees thirty-eight lakhs, and owing to the 
heavy working expenses the net receipts did not cover 



THE NILGIRI RAILWAY 15 

interest on debentures, and the Nilgiri Railway Company 
found it necessary to sell the Railway to the Secretary 
of State. The railway is now owned by the State, and 
worked for Government by the Broad Gauge Adminis- 
tration. 

It was soon recognized that there was small proba- Ooty Exten- 
biJity of the project proving a financial success unless 
the railway was extended to Ootacamund, and surveys 
for this extension were made, providing for an adhesion 
line, with a maximum gradient of 1 in 40 with four 
short lengths of rack on a gradient of 1 in 17. This was 
estimated to cost rupees twenty lakhs. When, however, 
funds were allotted for the construction of this extension, 
the Government of India were unfortunately advised to 
alter the alignment and to substitute an adhesion line 
with a ruling gradient of 1 in 25, and this line was 
constructed under the supervision of Messrs. C. F. 
Sykes and H. Gales, as Engineers-in-Chief, and was 
opened for traffic in September, 1908. The cost of this 
extension was rupees thirty-two and a quarter lakhs. 

A project for the electrification of the whole line from Electrilica- 
Mettupalaiyam to Ootacamund has been investigated, on 
but it was found that the initial cost was prohibitive, 
and that, with the existing traffic, electrification would 
result in a further increase in the working expenses. 

There is much engineering work of interest through- Viaducts and 
out the line, but the deepest cuttings and the highest Tunnc s 
viaducts are in the first eight miles above Kallar. In 
this length there are nineteen viaducts, several of which 
are nearly sixty feet in height, and there are nume- 
rous cuttings of similar depth. There are thirteen 
tunnels, the longest, which is 481 feet between portals, 
being under Fern Hill, Ootacamund. 

The permanent way on the Kallar- Coonoor length is, The Rack 
as stated above, of the Abt rack type. Two steel racks, System 
the teeth of which break pitch, are laid in the centre of 
the track and are carried by pedestals which are firmly 
bolted down to the sleepers. The engines have a 
double set of cylinders, the pistons of one set driving 



16 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

the adhesion wheels and the pistons of the other set 
driving the rack pinions. These pinions engage with 
the teeth of the rack bars laid in the centre of the track 
and enable the engine to pull itself and its load up the 
1 in 12i grade. At the entrance to each station the 
rack terminates in rack-tongues, which enable the rack 
pinions to engage or disengage with the rack. For 
descending purposes the engines have, in addition to the 
vacuum brake, the Chatelier brake an arrangement by 
which air is pumped into the cylinders, so as to resist 
the movement of the engine. Every passenger and 
goods vehicle is fitted with wheel and rack brakes and 
carries a brakesman to work these brakes. 

The Journey The journey up from Mettupalaiyam to Ootacamund 
occupies five hours ; and the down journey four hours. 
The highest point on the line is reached between 
Lovedale and Fernhill, a few minutes before entering 
the latter station, and may be observed marked on a 
stone revetted cutting, ' Summit, 7,300 feet.' 

Scenery en The scenery all along the way is charming. Leaving 
route Mettupalaiyam, with its squat collection of houses 

scattered on an arid plain, one quickly approaches 
Kallar amid tropical groves of palm trees. .From this 
point the real ascent commences and the rack line starts. 
Now, in place of desert, vegetation flourishes. Bamboo 
trees are seen in great quantities on either side of the 
track : below surge the sea of palm tops that we have 
recently passed by ; and beyond, the Hulicul Droog 
rears its majestic head, its stern form and rocky bluffs 
and precipices softened by the many-hued billowing 
greens of jungle trees. Soon the bamboo belt is left 
behind, and the whole nature of the vegetation* under- 
goes a marked change. Dwarfed, umbrageous jungle 
trees twist their gnarled branches above a dense under- 
growth of varied shrub ; flowers bloom in profusion on 
trees as on shrub, bush and plant, and the air is some- 
times filled with their heavy fragrance. One is struck 
with the enormous masses of rock that tower above and 
below the exceedingly precipitous flank of the pass. 




SCENE ON THE NILGIRI RAILWAY 



THE NILGIRI RAILWAY 17 

One such mass of rock, particularly, seen on the right 
about 3',000 ' feet up, never fails to create comment. 
Later, on the plateau, we may be reintroduced to it as 
Lamb's Rock : a sheer drop of many hundred feet with 
a waterfall accentuating its height. When Hill Grove 
Station is reached, the air has become perceptibly cooler, 
and a cup of tea, which may be obtained during a brief 
stop, is refreshing. The great Hulicul gorge now lies 
in full view, and from its depths comes the muffled 
roar of the Coonoor stream. Picturesque glimpses of 
the ghat road are caught, as it winds in and about : a 
smooth white way, through jungle greens. On the 
slopes of both mountain spurs large patches of coffee 
and tea, with the glint of their white-walled bungalows 
and out-houses, show the evidence of man's occupation 
amid the primeval scene. Between Runnymede and 
Kartary, the next two stations on the way, the Coonoor 
stream, so recently several thousand feet below us, is 
met and crossed ; the line keeping to the flank of the 
further bank, and coming out at Coonoor just above 
the head of the stream. 

At Coonoor a halt is made, so that those going up to 
Ooty may have lunch. The line now casts off the rack 
again, and the journey onwards loses the tedium of the 
steeper and slower ascent. The character of the 
scenery, too, now quickly changes, and one realizes, 
from the soft undulations of the surrounding country in 
place of sheer mountain side, that the plateau has at 
length been gained. The first station after Coonoor, 
Wellington, discloses nothing of the military character 
of the cantonment it represents, the barracks lying hid 
over the crest of a hill. But of the Cordite Factory, 
Aruvankadii, which is next touched at, a splendid view 
is obtained. The Factory itself is surrounded by a 
wall four and half miles in circumference and twelve feet 
high, and is easily recognizable from its tall chimney 
stacks and regular buildings. The residential quarters of 
the staff are seen on the crest of the hill. Suddenly the 
line sweeps into full view of the Kaity (otherwise spelt 



18 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

JCeti) valley on the left. This is indeed a charming 
landscape, -unlike anything the traveller has yet seen. 
The valley lies as in a vast saucer, its surface an 
emerald sward except where the patches of red earth 
of little Badaga villages with their small areas of 
cultivated ground lie scattered. A little stream twines 
and twists its way like a w r ounded snake through 
the centre of the valley. Arriving at the station, Keti, 
the dismantled walls of what looks like an ancient ruin 
marks the spot where, only a few years back, a number 
of Boer prisoners were encamped. On all sides range 
the hills. Far away on the south Lampton's Peak and 
the Annemalies lie, ridge upon ridge ; ahead, to the 
west range the Kundahs ; while on the right lower the 
Dodabetta heights. As the line ascends, the scope of 
view enlarges till, upon passing Lovedale station, the 
whole is shut out and the summit of the pass is reached. 
On arrival at Fernhill one is within the Ootacamuncl 
municipality limits, and the sight of the Ooty lake, with 
St. Thomas' Church showing prettily in the background, 
announces the termination of the journey, and we run 
into Ootacawund* Curiously enough, on the return 
down the line, the scenery awakens fresh interest, as if 
it had never before been encountered. But up, or 
down, the panorama unfolded by nature is one that will 
ever remain a lasting impression of beauty to those who 
have seen it. 



CLIMATE AND SANITARIA 

Equability The Seasons Salubrity Restorative 

Qualities Vegetable Products Sanitaria Ootacamund 

Kotagiri Coonoor. 

CLIMATE 

THE most remarkable feature of the climate of the Equability 
Nilgiris, is that in a district so near the equator such a 
climate, ' the most equable in the world, and fully as 
bracing as any part of Great Britain,' should exist. 
Indeed, when the first visitors to the Hills stated that 
the thermometer there was twenty-five degrees lower than 
on the plains, ' such a climate within the tropics was con- 
sidered so great an anomaly that few would believe of its 
existence. ' That such is the fact is, of course, un- 
deniably established to-day ; but, from recent statements 
of many visitors to the Hills, the actual conditions of 
this climate are not as well or widely known, even 
to-day, as they should be. The following extracts 
from various authorities may, therefore, be found 
interesting. 

It is not easy to describe the climate of the Nilgiris, The Seasons 
so as to convey an accurate idea of it to a stranger, as 
there is no other, with which I am acquainted, to which 
it can be strictly and analogically compared. The cold 
weather, or winter, is like the spring of the North of 
Persia, or the autumn of the South of France, and the 
monsoon is very nearly a mild autumn in the South of 
England. These two divisions include our whole year, 
and if I were to say that I consider it, all prejudice 
apart, as equal to any and superior to most of the 
climates I have seen in the cqurse of pretty extensive 
wanderings, I may be suspected of partiality or exagge- 
ration. I shall, therefore, content myself to an appeal 
to facts. ' * 

* Dr; Baikie, The Ncilighcrrics, p. 16. 



20 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Salubrity 



Restorative 
Qualities 



* Owing to the great elevation at which the inhabited 
summit of the Nilgiris stands and the - consequent rare- 
faction of its atmosphere, aided doubtless, in some 
degree, by the beneficial influence of the luxuriant 
vegetation which clothes them, the district though 
distant only eleven degrees from the equator, enjoys a 
climate now famed for its great salubrity, and remark- 
able evenness of its seasons, with a temperature which 
falls in the coldest month of the year to freezing point, 
and seldom in the hottest reaches seventy -five in the 
shade. ' 1 

* With respect to the climate of the Neelgherry I 
think I may venture to pronounce it one of the pleasant- 
est in the world as regards temperature. My residence 
in the mountains has been since the 1 4th of March (now 
about three months), and probably the hottest season of 
the year. A reference to the monthly registers of the 
thermometer will prove that this is incomparably the 
most temperate Asiatic climate with which we are yet 
acquainted, and far superior to the Cape or Mauritius. 
Here at no season of the year is it too hot in the shade> 
and to sleep under a light blanket in the warmest 
months is always agreeable. To invalids, and people 
suffering from debility from long residence in a hot 
climate, this, I should think, must prove of the first 
importance. Neither hot winds nor sultry nights are 
here known. During the continuance of the milder 
months (for we have here no hot ones) the mornings 
and evenings are so cool that a visitor from the low 
lands is very willing to seek the warmth of the sun, and 
one may almost every day take exercise in the open air, 
suffering no other inconvenience than being perhaps a 
little sun-burnt. ... In March I ascended the Neel- 
gherry, weak and debilitated ; in a few days my appetite 
was restored, and I soon recovered health and strength, 
since which period I have not had a single day's 
sickness/ 2 

1 Capt. J. Ouchterlony's Memoir, 1847. 
8 Lieut. Evans MacPherson, Appendix to Grigg's Manual, 
p. LVL 



CLIMATE AND SANITARIA 21 

In further illustration of the temperate nature of the Vegetable 
climate, it may be mentioned that English vegetables Products 
(potatoes, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, beet, carrots, 
turnips, celery and lettuce) are grown almost as well as 
in England ; that English garden flowers are here 
produced in profusion almost all the year round ; and 
that indigenous botanical productions resemble chiefly 
those of a temperate climate. A late writer on medical 
topography states with justice that ' the character of a 
climate is much more faithfully indicated by such a 
natural test as its influence on vegetable products, than 
by any instrumental or artificial means whatever. ' l 
This fact is further borne out in the flourishing of 
English fruit trees, such as apples, plums, pears, 
walnuts, etc. 

So much for a general idea, gathered from so various 
but authoritative sources innumerable endorsements 
of which might be found. It now remains to describe 
the climates of the various sanitaria in their relation to 
each other. 

SANITARIA 

The unique advantage that the Nilgiris enjoy over Sanitaria 
any other Hill sanitaria is that an invalid can select in 
one of the three stations of Ootacanmnd, Kotagiri or 
Coonoor, the climate most suited to his state of health, 
for the climates of these several places, while each is 
equable and salubrious, are graded and distinct. The 
exact variations in temperature and rainfall in the 
different stations may best be observed by a study of 
the comparative meteorological tables given at the end 
of this Section, to which may be prefaced the following 
remarks. Of the three, Ootacamund stands at the 
highest elevation. Here the air is extraordinarily keen, 
dry, and bracing, and has, as Surgeon -Major Whitton 
remarks, a sensible effect in exhilarating the spirits, and 
increasing the disposition to exercise. Inconvenience is 

Manual, p. 51. 



22 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



seldom experienced under great or unusual exertion, 
and langour or lassitude are never felt as in the sultry 
plains of India, New-comers should, however, guard 
against over-taxing their strength as a result of this 
new-found energy. During the fine weather the atmos- 
phere has a quality of clearness, such as may be 
remarked wherever coldness and dryness go together. 

Ootacamund The seasons in Ooty, as with the other hill-stations, 
are definitely marked by the arrival and departure of 
the monsoons. With the setting in of the north-east 
monsoon, whose official date cf arrival is October 15, 
some rain falls. By the interference of the Dodabetta 
range, as has already been seen, no great inconvenience 
is experienced. About three weeks from this date, 
early in November, the cold weather sets in. At times 
the atmosphere is remarkably clear and dry, with a 
fierce sun during the day, and cold, frosty nights, as a 
result. January and February are marked by cold 
winds from the north-east, and frosts continue. In 
March the weather becomes milder, with occasional 
showers. April and May are the hottest months in the 
year, but the thermometer is rarely higher than 70 in 
the shade. In the early part of June thunderstorms and 
north-west winds usher in the monsoon from that direc- 
tion. July is usually a disagreeably wet month ; but fine 
weather is again experienced in August and September. 

Kotagiri In temperature, Kotagiri marks the half-way station 

between Ootacamund and Coonoor. Being about 1,000 
feet lower than Ootacamund, and 500 feet above Coonoor, 
it catches something of both the north-east and south- 
west monsoons ; but has a more conservative rainfall 
throughout the year than either of its neighbours. On 
the whole, its climate is the most even of the three 
stations, and now that it possesses a first-rate hotel, well- 
appointed club, and other civilized advantages, there is 
no doubt but that this station is rapidly increasing in 
size and popularity as a sanitarium. 

Coonoor The climate of Coonoor is particularly mild and 

genial, for the sun is frequently obscured by clouds and 



CLIMATE AND SANITARIA 2'3 

the rain is only occasional'- Being situated about 1,53J) 
feet below Ootacamund, its climate is not considered as 
bracing ; but it gains the advantage, on the other hanc., 
of "experiencing neither the severe cold nor piercin 
winds of the latter station, and 'so ife better suited to 
visitors Who have just arrived from the plains. For this 
reason doctors often advise their patients to break their 
journey to Ootacamund by a few days stay at Coonoor. 
It is well sheltered from the south-west monsoon (June 
and July) by the Doddabetta range*, which rages in 
Ooty ; it receives, however, the full force of the north- 
east 'monsoon from about the middle of October till 
towards the end of November. December is ( usually ja 
delightful month, with clear days and slight frosts in 
parts at night. 

An extract from Major Bryson's original monograph Children 
for the first edition of this book says : For children, 
Coonoor and Kotagiri are an earthly paradise. 

It is one of the pleasures of residence hereto see the 
rosy, healthy crowd who swarm about the compounds, 
especially during the season, and particularly if you 
have seen them arrive a fortnight or so before, pale, 
washed-out and limp and weary. Complaints such as 
whooping cough they must occasionally suffer from, 
but they run a very mild course arid there are none of 
the distressing sequela? so frequent and so dreaded at 
Home. 

All three of our Hill Stations are well equipped with Hospital* 
up-to-date Hospitals which take in European and Indian 
patients of both sexes. There are usually nursing 
homes in Ootacamund and Coonoor. The Pasteur 
Institute is a very fine building in charge of two Indian 
Medical Officers and is doing excellent work. It has no 
quarters for Europeans, but these are catered for hand- 
somely by the local hotels, and especially by Hill Grove 
Hotel which is within easy walking distance of the 
Institute'. 



24 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Comparative Meteorological Table showing the differences in Temperature and Rainfall between 
the various Hill Stations and Simla. 


Simla 
Elevation 7,224 ft. 


S^H 


.2S > 25aSSrJ5 I iN 


d the Presidency Capitals. 

Bombay ... ... 81 
Madras ... ... 85 


S9t[OUJ 

fltjjui'e^j 


pmn,,, ^ 


\o 


awwad 




o 

i i 


STssjg^sssss 


Coonoor 
Elevation 5,954 ft. 


S3f.re 1119^1 


XIOOSUOJ^ UOOSUOJ^ 

"3. *M "3 *N 


saipui 


SS3^i?S^IooS^:^ 


oo 


^cNrcM^^-cvTmmo^o,^ 


Mean Temperature of Hill Stations as compared with that of Qreat Britain an 

London ... ... 50 1 Wellington... ... 62 Coonoor ... ... 64 
Ootacamund ... ... 57 j Kotagiri ... ... 62 Calcutta ... ... 78 


-max 


oooooooooooo 


o 

S 


Kotagiri 
Elevation 6,511 ft, 


'^^ 


uoosuoj\; uoosuoj\[ 

"3 *N "3 'N 


saqouj 

IJ12JfUI'E7J 




MD 




urea j\[ 




o 
CM 
\O 


t 
Ootacamund 
' Elevation 7,228 ft. 


V* 




satpti] 

-UJ9X 

ire9j\[ 


S ? S g ^ fe S ^ ? & 


GO 


rn ro UD VO -^ -J- CO -1- -, 


oooooooooooo 
IQ 10 S vO UD *O VO <O O *O "-O *O 


OO 


MONTH 




"rt 
o 
H 






w <5 ^ 

^ < s ^,<j c/5 o ; Q 



NILGIRI SANITARIA 

(A Monograph by MAJOR R. BRYSON, F.R.C.S.E., I.M.S., 
District Medical and Sanitary Officer, Nilgiris). 

Preliminary Precautions Clothing Sun Sanitaria : 
Ootacamund, Coonoor, Kotagiri General Health 
Chest Affections Convalescence Children 
Hospitals. 

VISITORS to the Nilgiris do not experience any change in Preliminary 
temperature till they have travelled up some distance on Precautions 
the Ghat Railway. If they are passengers by the after- 
noon train they may not find it unpleasantly cold till 
they have left Coonoor and begun the climb up to Ooty. 
But it must be remembered that in most cases they are 
coming up after a residence in the heat of the plains, 
and a few hours makes the difference between dis- 
comfort from heat and perspiration at Mettupalaiyam, 
and absolute cold at the top of the ghat. I cannot, 
therefore, emphasise too greatly the importance of 
changing into warm undergarments and thick clothing 
before leaving Mettupalaiyam. As a rule it is most 
convenient to do so in the train before arriving at this 
station, in spite of the temporary unpleasantness of 
the change ; but some prefer unadvisedly I think to 
change at the Coonoor station. In any case it is most 
necessary to have an overcoat which can be put on in 
the Ghat Railway, and should it happen to be a wet day 
and a chill wind blowing, the rdison d'etre of this 
precaution will be very obvious. 

On arrival at one's destination, the exhilaration of the Clothing 
pure, cold atmosphere results in a feeling of energy and 
buoyancy of spirit, accompanied by a tremendous 
increase of appetite, all of which, unless kept under 
control, spell disaster fortunately, as a rule, only 
temporary. Several of my medical friends have told me 



26 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Effects of 
Sun 



Sanitaria 



that, as the result of experience, they make it a routine 
practice to take a small dose of calomel the night of 
arrival, and^o avoid lunch for the first few" days. Most 
people also feel blown and puffed after slight exertion 
for the first few days : but this is, of course, due partly 
to the rarefaction of the atmosphere, and partly to the 
fact that they are not used to the ups and clowns of the 
roads on the Hills. The moisture of the air at the 
wettest times of the year has little effect on visitors, 
provided always that they take the precaution to change 
after a ducking, and always wear warm vests and 
drawers and thick socks or stockings, whatever the 
weather or the season of the year. Another precaution 
I should mention is either changing, altogether, or put- 
ting on a warm overcoat or sweater after exertion. One 
should get into the habit of doing this after every walk 
or game; and, especially in the evening, avoid sitting 
down to get cool a fatal mistake. 

Another great temptation to error arises from the 
mildness of the sun's rays during the day. You may 
ramble about, or sit under the trees all day, and every 
day, but do so without adequate protection for the head, 
and you will be unpleasantly reminded of the fact that 
you are precious near the equator. The sun's rays are 
nearly vertical though the temperature is low because of 
the elevation. So much for the general tourist. 

For the invalid there is, in my opinion, no place like 
the Nilgiris for variety. He has the choice of the three 
different places: Ootacamund, Coonoor, and Kotagiri, 
and each has its own special advantages. For one 
searching only for rest and change of surroundings there 
is hunting and golf of the best to be had in Ooty. In 
Coonoor he can get tennis, golf, badminton, racquets 
and there is a most excellent skating rink and ball-room, 
and these recreations are more systematically indulged 
in than in Ooty, where they are rather swamped by the 
hunting. 

The Coonoor residents go to the neighbouring canton- 
ment of Wellington a fifteen minute walk for their 



NILGIRI SANITARIA 27 

golf ; and at the Gymkhana in the vicinity of the links, 
the 4 Band of the British Regiment plays, as a rule, once 
a week, and the garrison play hockey, football, and polo, 
on fixed days. Both Ooty and Coonoor have first-class 
Clubs where the weary worker from below can get his 
billiards and bridge in the evenings. 

Kotagiri is typically a rest-cure resort. It has a small 
Club and Golf Links, and just a few residents, but is on 
a much smaller scale than the sister stations, which are 
rather more lively especially during the season and 
during the race week, an annual institution in both 
places. It scores to some extent, in one respect, in that 
it is not a municipality and, therefore, taxation is 
unknown, and living cheaper. 

Contrary to generally accepted opinion I have not found General 
people with bowel complaints suffer from a residence " ea 
on the Hills. On the other hand, 1 have known several 
with bad Mucous Colitis recover entirely. Children 
occasionally get an attack of diarrlnca almost invariably 
due to a sluggish liver, and girls more frequently than 
boys. This fact I attribute to cotton blouses and thin 
drawers, which subject the extremities to chill. Atten- 
tion to these details soon eases an attack. I have not 
known of a single case of Enteric indigenous to Coonoor 
or Kotagiri since I have been here. One or two imported 
cases occurred and recovered, and that was the end of it. 
Cholera is, of course, unknown amongst the Europeans 
and so is Small Pox. There are practically no mosqui- 
toes and no Malaria. The housekeeper need not worry 
about mosquito nets and ants do not invade her larder. 

For chest affections, Kotagiri and Coonoor are par Chest Affec- 
excellence the place for treatment. An Officer of the 
Indian Medical Service, writing in the December 
number of the Indian Medical Gazette, strongly advo- 
cated the erection of a Sanitarium on the Hills for 
consumptives ; and quotes the case of a friend suffering 
from Phthisis, who was practically given up by his 
physicians, and who, after a residence in such world- 
famed places as Switzerland, the south of France and, 



28 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Australia, finally hit on Kotagiri. The patient states 
that it is undoubtedly the best and the most equitable 
climate in India, and that he has found none to suit him 
as this does. He can lead an invalid life pleasantly 
here, and yet be in the open air. This is the strong 
point for chest cases. The residents of Coonoor 
frequently inform me that they keep the windows of their 
bed-rooms open from one year's end to the other. But I 
think this depends to some extent on the position of the 
house. In those which are more exposed, as in the case 
of the writer's, a thin blanket has been acceptable in the 
warmest season ; and that with the windows closed at 
night. Open air treatment is not only an exceedingly 
simple matter, but it can be carried out without any 
discomfort whatever. I have seen the most marvellous 
results follow from keeping a patient out of doors under 
the firs and eucalyptus trees all day, and on the verandah 
at night. Most of the houses are built with beautiful 
verandahs adjoining the bedrooms ; and where, in one or 
two cases, a patient has been nervous of sleeping outside, 
I have always been able to arrange for the bed to be put 
in a big window one of the features of the residences 
here and by making suitable arrangements for obviat- 
ing draughts and opening the roof ventilators, have 
obtained the most pleasing results. 

Convales- Convalescence from surgical operations, accouchment, 

cence etc>j - IS ver y ra pjd : rather too much so in the latter case, 

as it is difficult to keep women on their backs as long as 
I, personally, should like to. The air is clear and pure, 
and sepsis, for once, at a disadvantage. Both in 
Kotagiri and Coonoor the European residences are built 
away from, and out of sight of, the native town, and 
there is little dust from vehicular traffic. The impor- 
tance of this to chest cases, surgical or otherwise, 
cannot be exaggerated. Owing to the rarefied condition 
of the air, I cannot recommend the Hills for patients 
with heart disease or for those with advanced liver or 
kidney complaints. To such the rapid fall of tempera- 
ture in the evenings is deleterious. 



OOTACAMUND 

Ootacamund Discovery and Founder Physical Features 
Main Roads Other Roads Public Buildings 
Stonehouse Government House The Assembly 
Rooms Post and Telegraph Offices and Law Courts 
Churches St. Stephen's Church St. Thomas' 
Church Roman Catholic Churches Schools The 
Nilgiri Library The Ootacamund Club The Gym- 
khana Club The Ootacamund Hunt. 

OOTACAMUND familiarly diminished to Ooty is the Ootacamund 
largest of the hill stations in Southern India; the capital 
of the Nilgiri District ; head-quarters of the taluk bear- 
ing the same name ; the seat of the Madras Government 
during the summer months ; and divisional head-quarters 
of the 9th Division. It lies partly in a valley formed 
by two spurs of hills on the north-western side of the 
Dodabetta range, and partly 011 the slopes of the con- 
taining hills themselves ; its elevation varying from 
7,150 feet at the ordinary water-level of the lake that 
lies at its feet, to 8,640 feet at the summit of Dodabetta 
peak. (Latitude, 11 24' 5*40"; longitude, 76 46' 44'39".) 
On account of its bracing climate, excellent roads and 
public facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings, 
it has long rejoiced in the sobriquet : ' The Queen 
of Hill Stations.' 

First mention of Ootacamund appeared in the Madras Discovery 
Gazette in 1821, under the name of Wotokymund, in a and Founder 
descriptive article by an anonymous correspondent, who 
still remains unknown. From a European standpoint 
this may be said to be the year of its discovery. In 1822, 
a year later, the first European residence (' Stonehouse,' 
where the Government Offices now stand) was erected 
by Mr. John Sullivan, Collector of Coimbatore, whose 



30 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Physical 
Features 



Main Roads 



name is most prominent in the early history of the 
district. He fully appreciated the advantages of the 
spot as a general sanitarium for the south, and to his 
enthusiasm and influence with the Government, Ootaca- 
mund probably owes her present important standing. 
The name of John Sullivan, therefore, may go down to 
posterity not only as the first recognized European 
resident of Ootacamund, but as its actual founder. Its 
early development as a health resort, when the many 
obstacles in the way of traffic are considered, was fairly 
rapid. It was constituted a municipality in 1865; the 
limits enclose fourteen square miles, and the population 
by the census of 1911 was 18,700. 

Ootacamund has been described as lying in a basin : 
this is in the main true, for on the south, east, and north 
stand the sentinel heights of Elk Hill (8,090 feet), 
Dodabetta (8,640 feet) and Club Hill (8,030 feet). But 
the general hilliness of the interior of the basin thus 
formed does not quite justify the metaphor ; while the 
basin altogether loses its mountain rim to the west, 
where the country is open. The influence of these 
physical features upon climatic conditions is great ; the 
station being guarded by the mountain barrier thus 
placed on north, east, and south, the force of the north- 
east monsoon is broken and scarcely felt. Being ex- 
posed on the west, however, it catches the south-west 
monsoon, and disagreeable westerly winds at times 
prevail. At the base of the hills runs a long narrow 
valley opening to the west, a portion of which encloses 
an artificial lake which will be noted later. Away on 
the horizon may be seen the broken peaks of the Kundah 
range and, intervening, lie the downs which will also be 
touched upon under a separate head. 

The general trend of the station is to the north of the 
parent valley. From the railway terminus, which is 
rather unfortunately situated at the further end of the 
Native town, the main road (Commercial Road) passes 
along, with numerous bazaars and the markets on the 
one hand, while on the other the sight is relieved by the 



OOTACAMUND 31 

wide level stretch of turf formed by Hobart Park 
grounds.' A little further along, first a row of bazaars 
on the left is encountered, which suddenly breaks and 
gives place to a long,, block of better class native shops. 
At the termination :of these a branch diverging to the 
left, the Wenlock Road, gives easy access to the upper 
portion of Mount Road. Commercial Road passes along 
the foot of the hill, and terminating at Charing 
Cross. This point is well defined by The Adam Memo- 
rial Fountain, at the junction of four main roads. The 
road straight ahead leads past Messrs. Simpson & Co.'s 
Motor Garage on to the Government Gardens. The 
road to the right begins the Ootacamund-Coonoor ghat, 
and it may be observed, in passing, that from this point 
the olden day tongas began 01 ended their ghat journeys. 
To the left, and up the steep hill, we ascend Church 
Hill Road, passing Messrs. Oakes & Co.'s establish- 
ment on the right, and meeting the Wenlock Road again. 
Here a branch inclining to the left leads to the Bank of 
Madras, Messrs. Heath & Co.'s confectionery shop and 
refreshment room, the Nilgiri Library, and Messrs. 
Bailey Bros/ establishment. Continuing, Church Hill 
passes Messrs. Spencer & Co.'s and terminates on a 
crest of the hill at the large gates of St. Stephen's 
Church. 

The point now reached is known as Church Hill. 
This may be said to be the centre not only of the sta- 
tion, but of the district generally, for from the Church 
Gates main roads radiate in every direction, and from 
here, distances to outlying places are reckoned. It may 
also be considered the chief official and business centre, 
as around it are gathered the District Headquarter 
Offices, Civil and Magistrate's Courts, Telegraph and 
PovSt Offices; Messrs. Smith & Sons, Chemists; Messrs. 
Misquith & Co.'s Music Rooms ; Messrs. Barton, 
Son & Co., Jewellers & Opticians; and the Centre Hotel. 

It is not the intention of the compiler to enter into a Other Roads 
detailed description of the various roads about Ooty, 
for, as the visitor will not be long in observing, the 



32 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

roads, although they are all very fine and broad, are, by 
reason of the hi llinetes of the district, winding send intri- 
cate : such an attempt would be as futile of practical 
purpose as it would be difficult. Experience has proved 
that local enquiry as to the desired route, and the 
numerous sign-posts that point the way in every direc- 
tion, will be found the rrfost practical guide to the 
stranger. 

There is, however, one road that may be found useful 
on arriving or returning to the railway station that 
deserves mention. This is found on leaving the railway 
station gates, cutting up to the right, taking a sharp 
hairpin turn and leading on past St. Piartholemew's 
Hospital on the left, past Armoury Hill and the " South 
of India Observer " Offices when it joins the Church Hill 
triangle of roads at Bailey Bros. If one happens to be 
in this vicinity, and time is an object, this will be found 
the quickest and best return road to take to the railway 
station, 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS 

In structure and architectural design, the public 
buildings are, naturally, neither elaborate nor pretentious. 
Yet, the prominence usually afforded them by their 
position on hill crests, coupled with their beautiful 
surroundings, lends them a certain dignity, while much 
of historic interest attaches to them. 

STONEHOUSE, built about 1822 by Mr. Sullivan, was 
the first European house to be erected in Ooty. The 
original walls of the house are still standing, but the 
beautiful garden that once surrounded them has given 
place to the additional buildings that have been erected 
from time to time since 1870, when the building was 
adapted to its present use as Government offices. The 
clock-tower and council-chamber are both conspicuous on 
Stonehouse Hill, while during the season the guns of 
the battery, placed just below, are often heard announcing 
the arrival of some high official. One living relic of the 



OOTACAMUND 33 

old place is found in an oak tree that is said to have 
been planted by Mr. Sullivan. 

GOVERNMENT HOUSE is situated on a ridge of the 
western slopes of the Dodabetta range, on the outskirts 
of the south-eastern quarter of the station. An impos- 
ing drive through the Government Botanical Gardens 
leads to the gates, and a very fine view is seen from the 
house itself. The main building, a good idea of which 
may be gathered from -the accompanying illustration r 
was erected during the years 1877-1879, when the Duke 
of Buckingham was Governor of the Presidency. 
A fine ball room was added by Sir Arthur Havelock in 
1900, and in 1904 electric lighting was installed 
throughout. The well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens 
are the delight of visitors from the low country during 
the summer months. 

THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS, built by Mr. John Browne 
of Nilgiri Tonga fame, forms the principal hall for 
theatricals, and recreation of the kind in the station. 
The hall is also used as a public skating rink entrance 
fee, four annas and is open every day* The Volunteer 
band plays here about once a week. 

THE POST OFFICE, TELEGRAPH OFFICE AND 
LAW COURTS together with other public offices, form 
an ornamental group of buildings at the head of 
Mount Road. 

CHURCHES 

ST. STEPHEN'S is the oldest Church in the district ; St. Stephen's 
its foundation stone having been laid on April 23, 1829, Church 
by Mr. Stephen Rumbold Lushington, who was then 
Governor. 

The building was consecrated a year later by Bishop 
Turner, of Calcutta. The big beams used in the con- 
struction of the roof and much of the other timber were 
brought from Tippu Sultan's palace at Seringapatam a 
curious thing, indeed, that the original property of so 
bloodthirsty a marauder should afterwards find Christian 
consecration. In 1851 the gallery and clock-tower 
3 



34 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



St. Thomas' 
Church 



Homan 

Catholic 

Churches 



were added to the church, and in the latter a peal of 
nine tubular bells was placed in 1894 ; the pipe organ* 
has been renewed and enlarged from time to time. 
There is a very pretty cemetery surrounding the Church 
which contains the names of many illustrious men 
among its headstones. The cemetery is now closed. 
Sunday Services: 

Holy Communion ... ... ... ... 8.30 a.m. 

Morning Prayer and Sermon ... ... 11.30 a.m. 

Evensong and Sermon ... ... ... 5,30p.m. 

Midday Holy Communion on the first Sunday of 
each month. 

Week-day Services : Wednesday 7.45 a.m. Mattins ; 
8.20 a.m. Litany; 8.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist; 6.15 p.m. 
Evensong with Address; Thursdays 8.30 a.m. Holy 
Communion ; Friday 9.30 a.m. Litany. 

ST. THOMAS' CHURCH is most picturesquely situated 
on the border of the Ootacamund lake. It was built to 
meet the needs of the growing community, and since 
1881, when the St. Stephen's cemetery was closed, it has 
formed the burial ground of the station. Its foundation 
stone was laid in 1867 and the completed building was 
consecrated in 1870 and again by a Bishop of Calcutta, 
the Right Rev. Robert Milman. It takes its name from 
Bishop Thomas Dealtry to whom also the west window 
was dedicated in recognition of the good work he had 
done for the church. 

There are two Roman Catholic Churches. St. Mary's, 
which is dedicated to Our Lady, was erected in 1868- 
1869, and consecrated in the following year by the very 
Rev. Father Degelis. It contains the remains of 
Cardinal Howard, who died in the year 1863, while on a 
tour of inspection of India. Services are held daily 
at 7 a.m. On Sundays and days of obligation there is a 
second morning service at 9 and the Benediction of the 
Most Holy Sacrament-at 5 p.m. 

The Church of the Sacred Heart was built in 1895 
for the convenience of Roman Catholics living on the 
east side of Ootacamund, It was consecrated and 




St. Stephen's Church, Ootacamund 



The Oldest Church on the Hills : Built in 1830. Its principal timbers were 
taken from the notorious Tippu Sultan's Palace at Seringapatam. 



OOTACAMUND 35 

opened for Divine Service on February 28, 1897, 
by the Right Rev. Dr. Bardou, Roman Catholic Bishop 
of Coimbatore. Mass is said at 7 a.m. daily, and on 
Sundays at 9 a.m. followed by the Benediction of the 
Blessed Sacrament. 

SCHOOLS 

Ootacamund, with its bracing climate, is well suited 
to the existence of good European schools for children 
of both sexes. Many schools which were established in 
the olden days have had successful careers, but most of 
them have passed away with their principals (who were 
usually their founders). We shall, therefore, only deal 
with the schools now in existence, and that at no 
great length. 

BREEKS' MEMORIAL SCHOOL for boys is one of the 
oldest institutions of the kind on the Hills. It was 
founded in memory of Mr. J. W. Breeks, the first 
Commissioner of the Nilgiris. The original buildings 
occupied by the school, the foundation stone of which 
was laid by Mr. J. D. Sim, C.S.I., in 1873, a year after 
Mr. Breeks' death, may be easily recognized by the 
clock-tower on 'Telegraph Hill'. The buildings are 
now occupied by the Civil Court and its offices, the 
school having been moved in 1886 to its present fine 
building on the Wenlock Road. The fortunes of the 
school have been various and under many different 
schemes of management. In 1905 a new English head 
master was appointed and a boarding house for European 
boys was opened. The school now gives promise of 
better things. 

Of European girls' schools there are two The HIGH 
SCHOOL OF THE SISTERS OF THE CHURCH is a 
Protestant institution which receives both boarders and 
day-scholars ; the NAZARETH CONVENT SCHOOL is a 
corresponding Roman Catholic institution. Both schools 
provide a most excellent training for the daughters of 
the better classes, and are well equipped in every way. 



36 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

THE LAWRENCE MEMORIAL SCHOOL, founded hr 
honour of Sir Henry Lawrence, K.C.B., had its beginning 
on September 6, 1858, at Lark Hill, now known, though 
very much in an altered shape, as Gaerlaverock. In 
1863 the present site at Lovedale was acquired, and the 
buildings were completed in 1871. The school buildings 
and grounds cover 760*76 acres, and the institution as 
it now stands, is one of the most powerful in India. 
It provides the orphan children of soldiers, or volunteers, 
both Protestants and Roman Catholics with all. the 
necessaries of life and good education. Special atten- 
tion is also paid to training to arms which is entirely 
apart from the discipline and drill maintained by 
the Military Staff. Of recent years, several improve- 
ments have been carried out both in the boys' and girls' 
branches. A new chapel, which is one of the prettiest 
to be seen in the South, and a new dairy were completed 
in 1913, besides other buildings in the Girls' School. A 
scheme is also on foot to establish an Arts and Training 
College for Europeans and Anglo- Indians, so as to 
serve the Presidencies of Bombay and Madras, as Avell 
as Burma. Efforts are made to keep it in touch with the 
pupils after they have left the institution, the work 
having proved most successful and beneficial. This ex- 
cellent institution is well worth a visit, and visitors should 
apply for permission to the Principal previously. The 
annual celebration of Founder's Day on September 6, 
is, perhaps, one of the finest functions of its kind in the 
East. 

Principal -The Rev. W. H. G. Padfield, M.A. 

THE NILGIRI LIBRARY 

The Ootacamund Library, which bears the name ' The 
Nilgiri Library/ probably from the fact that it was the 
first library to be organized in the district, was started, 
in 1858 in connection with a small museum which had 
been formed three years earlier. In its early life it 
received a Government grant of Rs. 100 per month. In, 




CHARING CROSS 



A spacious 

old building; 

quiet, restful, 

and well 

equipped 




NILGIRI LIBRARY 




Its big beams 

are from 

Tippu 

Sultan's 

Lai Bagh 

Palace, 

Seringapatam 



St. STEPHEN'S CHURCH 



OOTACAMUND 37 

1867 the foundation stone of the existing fine building 
was laid by the then Chief Secretary, Mr. A. J. 
Arbuthnot. The site was presented by Government, 
having formerly been occupied as a Travellers' Bunga- 
low. The building was opened in 1869. In 1875 
'Government withdrew its grant, and in 1878 the library 
was registered as an Association under Act XXI of 1860. 
In 1899 a * Silent Room' and 'Ladies' Cloak Room 1 
were added. The library is well stocked with the 
current periodicals as well as with the usual books of 
reference and fiction. The reading room is open every 
day throughout the year from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 
circulating department is closed on Sundays and public 
holidays altogether ; on week days from March till 
October it is open from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., and from 
October to March closes at 6 o'clock half an hour 
-earlier. 

OFFICERS : 

Hon. Secretary S. V. Edge, Esq. 
Treasurer C. S. Simpson, Esq. 

THE OOTACAMUND CLUB 

The building occupied by the present Ootacamund 
-Club was constructed as a hotel by Sir William 
Rumbold, Bart., in 1831-32 and opened in this capacity 
in 1833. In the following year it was rented as a 
private house by the Governor- General, Lord Bentinck, 
-and after again becoming a hotel in 1836 was finally 
acquired by the originators of the Ootacamund Club in 
1841. Since those early days the Club has been very 
much enlarged and improved. Its accommodation now 
consists of twenty-three rooms. There is a Ladies' 
Annexe with privileges for families of members. In the 
main building are reading, writing, and card rooms, and 
also a billiard room with two tables. There is a very 
;good racquet court inside. 



38 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Conditions of Membership 

Officers in His Majesty's Services and gentlemen 
moving in general society are eligible as members : 
Election : by ballot. Entrance Fee : Rs. 150 in three 
instalments of Rs. 50 each. Subscription : Annual, Rs. 
12 ; Monthly, resident in Ooty, Rs. 5 ; Absent from 
India, ////; Honorary (for one month only), Rs. 10; 
Ladies' Annexe for families of members, monthly Rs. 2. 
Accommodation: Twenty-three rooms and also a Racquet 
court. Affiliations : The Newara Eliya Hill Club, 
Ceylon ; The Grosvenor Club, London. 

OFFICERS : 

President S. A. Walker, Esq. 
Manager G. Fernandez. 



THE GYMKHANA CLUB 

The Neilgherry Archery Club was the name given to 
the first open-air sports club in *Ootacamund. It was 
started in 1869 by Mr. Breeks, then Commissioner of 
the District, whose name is so closely associated with 
the early progress of the station. In course of time the 
club evolved into the A. B.C. (Archery, Badminton, and 
Croquet] Club. In the meantime a Gymkhana Club 
had in 1882 been started, its interests being only those of 
polo and racing. In 1892 the A. B.C. and the Gymkhana 
Clubs amalgamated under the name of the latter : thus 
the Gymkhana Club in its entirety was formed. The 
club grounds are situated on a fine expanse of level 
ground, near the Ooty lake, and afford a splendid field 
for racing, polo, football, golf, cricket, tennis, badminton, 
etc. In 1898 a fine pavilion and race-stand was built 
at a cost of Rs. 27,000 to replace the old A.B.C. pavilion 
at Hobart Park. Here, dressing rooms and lockers 
are provided, and all kinds of refreshment may be 
obtained. 



OOTACAMUND 39; 

The rates of subscription to the Club are as follows : 
Members, yearly, Rs. 50 ; or Rs. 10 per month. 

OFFICERS : 

Hon. Secretary Major W. Ward, V.D. 
Manager Capt. Hardy. 

THE OOTACAMUND HUNT 

Nowhere, ' east of Suez, ' is there so grand a field for 
the sport, nor in the Motherland itself is fox-hunting 
so keenly pursued, as on the Nilgiris, with the Ootaca- 
rnuiid Hunt. From a very humble beginning, the Club 
now has a reputation which is almost as well known at 
Home, as it is throughout India. Brooksby, in The 
Field, writing of hunting on these Hills, says : ' This 
is a wild, sporting country in which Knglish fox-hounds 
are not wanted, where game is plentiful, and the problem 
of scent is (locally) solved. ' Again, Oh, worshipful 
Master of England, this country has its advantages 
after all. No riding over hounds when they are running 
here, no scuttling forward and cutting off the track as 
they turn under a hedgerow. Not the wisest citizen that 
ever migrated to Milton, to stick one more thorn into 
the already lacerated sides of Firr or Gillard could 
work much mischief here. There is always a scent, and 
as the hounds must often start close at their game, 
it is all that the stoutest of waler blood, sent along by 
the keenest and youngest of spurs, can do to live with 
them. ' 

The history of the sport in Ooty dates back as far as History 
1845, when Lieut, (afterwards Sir) Thomas Peyton 
started the first regular pack, though fox hounds were 
introduced on the Nilgiris as far back as 1829; but 
were used for beating the sholas for game, and later 
hunted the elk or sambhur. After a very precarious 
career in the interval, the Hunt Club, as it exists to-day 
was thoroughly organized and regularly started, by Mr. 
J. W. Breeks, the first Commissioner of the Nilgiris 



40 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

in 1869. During the last twenty years the Hunt has 
become established on a larger and firmer basis, and 
in most respects equals the ordinary provincial pack in 
England. 

In 1896, Lord Wenlock, then Governor of Madras, 
was instrumental in reserving thirty square miles of 
grass and shola to the west of Ooty which is now known 
as the Wenlock Downs. ' 

The Hunting The hunting country lies to the west of Ootacamund 

Country anc j cons i s ^ s o f rolling downs, interspersed with streams 
and bogs and hills of considerable altitude. There is 
practically no jumping. The banks of the streams are 
generally rotten owing to rats ; otherwise, the going is 
sound and good, and chiefly of grass. The swamps can 
only be crossed by the special cross-ings constructed by 
the hunt. Hounds run extremely fast with no hedges 
to impede them, and it takes a good horse and a good 
rider to live with them. An eye for country is a valu- 
able asset to the new-comer. 

The Jack The Hill Jackal is a fine animal, and unless severely 

pursued at the start can hold its own with the fastest 
hounds and beat them. 

Hunt The Hunt is managed by a Committee of which H.E. 

Management The Governor is President. The Masters are always 
amateurs and are assisted by amateur whips as well as 
by two Indian whips whose duties are to bring on lost 
or lagging hounds and to carry the terrier and spade. 
As a rule the Indian whips are not expected to turn 
hounds to the Master or to indulge in much galloping. 
The Master and amateur Whips provide their own horses 
and six horses are provided by the Management for the 
Indian Whips. 

The Hunting The hunting season commences in April or May, as 

Season soon as ^ e g roun( i i s so ft enough for the feet of hounds 

and horses. It ends about the third week in October. 
Hounds usually meet four times a week, i.e. on Monday, 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Monday and 
Thursday the meets are always close to Ootacamund 
and early in the morning. On other days the meets are 



OOTACAMUND 41 

at 12 noon, and usually at some distance out, Post 
cards giving the place and hour of meets are issued 
every week to subscribers and notices are posted at the 
Club, the Gymkhana and at the Library. 

The average annual cost of running the Hunt is about Subscription 
Rs. 20,000, and the Management is entirely dependent 
on voluntary subscriptions. There is no ' cap ' nor 
minimum subscription, but regular followers are ex- 
pected to subscribe not less than Rs. 100, and the 
fortunate possessors of several horses to increase their 
subscriptions in proportion. In addition to the ordinary 
Hunt Subscription, followers of the Hunt are expected 
to subscribe to the ' Heseltine Fund, ' which was started 
some years ago to provide funds for the upkeep of the 
numerous rides and crossings which have been made 
for the convenience of the field. Subscriptions to this 
fund are limited to a maximum of Rs. 15. 

All followers of the Hunt who have subscribed not Ooty Hunt 
less than Rs. 100 may be elected to the Hunt Club and ciub 
must be proposed and seconded by two members of the 
Hunt Committee which has the power of election. The 
annual subscription to the Hunt Club is Rs. 15, payable 
only so long as the Member is in Ootacamund. The 
subscriptions go towards a fund which is kept in case of 
-emergencies. 

The Kennels are situated near the Golf Links. They The Kennels 
were rebuilt on English lines some twelve years ago. 
They contain kennels and yards for sixty couple of 
hounds ; separate boiling house, hospital, store-rooms, 
office, superintendent's bungalow, lines, and stabling for 
six horses. The establishment in the Season comprises 
the two Indian whips, twelve kennel boys, two mahtis, 
cook, six syces and is under the control and superinten- 
dence of Mrs. Leech. 

The number of hounds in kennel varies from time to The Hounds 
time, but is ususally about fifty couple. The usual 
practice is to import ten couple of hounds, or so, annually 
from some well-known kennel in England and to breed 
about fifteen or twenty couple locally. The Ooty Hunt 



42 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Costume 



Class of 
Horses 



Keep of 
Horses 



is very fortunate in its friends at Home, and owns sorne 
of the best hound blood of England, as the result of 
presentations from the Dukes of Buccleugh and Beau- 
fort, Mr. W. Fuller, Captain Heseltine, the Rev. E. 
A. Milne and other well-known hound breeders and 
Masters of Hounds. 

The country-bred hounds are excellent when good 
walks can be obtained for the puppies, and the Hunt is 
very grateful to any resident or visitor who will under- 
take the walking of a couple of puppies for a few 
months. 

NOTES FOR VISITORS 

Any hunting costume is permissible. A fair proportion 
of the followers of the Hunt wear the orthodox black or 
pink. Others adopt various forms of rat-catcher * 
costume. Only members of the Hunt may wear the 
O.H. button. 

For a light-weight, a good weight-carrying pony does 
excellently. For others, horses are recommended. A 
horse or pony should have deep girth, good shoulders, 
and good hocks. Staying power rather than speed is the 
chief desideratum. 

A hunter in hard condition will cost about Rs. 45 to 
Rs. 55 to keep at Ooty. This amount is inclusive of 
syce's pay, clothing, grass, and from 1 2 to 18 Ibs. of oats, 
bran, etc. Visitors are recommended to be careful when 
altering a horse's feed from kulthi (gram) to hard grain, 
and to do so gradually, as a sudden change is apt to 
induce liver complaints. Breast plates and a numdah 
should usually be used on hunters. It takes a horse a 
considerable time to become acclimatized to fast work at 
an elevation of 7,000 feet, and it is advisable to work 
horses new to the Hills lightly at first. 



OFFICERS : 

President H. E. Lord Pentland. 
Hon. Secretary R. D. Richmond, Esq. 



OOTACAMUND 43,- 



PLACES OF INTEREST IN OOTY 

The Government Gardens Ooty Lake The Lake 

Drive Grant Duff Road The Connemara 

Drive -The Ampthill Road The Have- 

lock Road. 

OF the many places of interest, in and about Ooty, first The 
may be mentioned the Government Botanical Gardens, 
both on account of their great charm and beauty and 
because of their convenient situation. Visitors for the 
day from Coonoor, or Kotagiri, will find it quite practical 
to see the gardens in the few hours they spend in the 
station, and should certainly not fail to avail themselves 
of doing so. 

The History of the Gardens, since their inception as 
a kitchen garden by a few residents in 1847, on through 
their development as ornamental grounds under a skilled 
Kew gardener, Mr. W. G. Mclvor in the following year 
and again from the year 1857, when they were definitely 
taken over by Government, to the present day, is of 
great detail and interest and may be found in Sir 
Frederick Price's History of Ootacamund. But the 
extent and variety of the work of over half a century is 
most eloquently expressed by Nature herself in the 
magnificent lawns, and giant imported trees that stud 
them ; in the gorgeous flower beds of every hue ; in the 
spacious greenhouses, where the florist will be charmed 
with rare specimens of exotic plants ; and in the general 
landscape beauties of what are perhaps the most Knglish 
of public gardens throughout the East. 

At the head of the gardens may be found a 
typical Toda mund, and those who wish to see true 
specimens of this most unique hill tribe will well be 
repaid for the somewhat stiff climb that leads to the 
spot. 



44 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



OotyjLake 



The Lake 
Drive 



<Grant Duff 
JRoad 



As the train nears its destination and is about to enter 
the Ootacamund Station, one remarks a lovely stretch 
of -water to the left. This is a bend of the Ooty lake, 
and the stranger will find some difficulty in crediting the 
fact that so picturesque and seemingly natural a water 
should, in reality, be artificial. But so it is. The lake 
was made in 1823-1825 and was due to the initiative of 
the then Collector, Mr. Sullivan. e It originally ran back 
even along the road which now goes from the market 
towards Bombay House at the top of the end of the 
Racecourse,' says Mr. W. Francis in his Gazetteer of 
the District, ' and it was crossed in the middle of the 
Willow Bund built in 1831, and so called because its 
edges are fringed with Indian willows which provided 
a short cut between the two sides of the station.' In 
1897 the filling in of the upper part of the lake to the 
Willow Bund was, after many futile efforts, at length 
completed. This was done because that portion of the 
lake had become shallow and was no more than an 
unhealthy swamp. To-day the reclaimed ground forms 
'one of the most beautiful recreation grounds in India. 
The Racecourse round it has a lap of a mile and a 
quarter.' 

As a drive, either in carnage or motor, or by bicycle, 
the round of the Hobart Park and Ooty Lake is ideal ; 
the road being fairly level, and the scenery perfect. 
Starting from Charing Cross, down along Commercial 
Road, and so on past the gates of the railway station, 
under the railway bridge, one skirts the border of the 
lake. At the west end of the lake, the upper road is 
taken past ' Woodstock ', the palace of the Gaekwar of 
Baroda; the 'Cedars', the Nizam's palace; on to 
* Fernhill,' the magnificent residence of the Maharajah 
of Mysore ; down the hill past St. Thomas' Church ; and 
on past the Gymkhana Pavilion ; Racecourse ; Shoreham 
Hotel ; back to Charing Cross. The total distance of 
the run being five miles. 

For a drive or ride of about six miles this road makes 
a very pretty round with some most exquisite scenery 



OOTACAMUND 45 

cn route. Leaving Charing Cross one takes the 
Coonoor Road, leading due south, and continues till 
one comes to Craigmore toll bar, two and a quarter 
miles. The Grant Duff Road will be found swinging 
off to the right of the toll bar. It passes along to 
Lovedale overlooking the finest valley on the plateau, 
the Kaity Valley ; at Lovedale it crosses the railway 
and turns to the right by Lovedale Lake and on to 
Fernhill, coming out at the Fernhill railway station 
and turning home by St. Thomas' Church and Willow 
Bund. 

This is a very fine drive or ride of about ten miles The Conne- 
through extremely fine scenery and over a portion of the mara Drive 
Downs. Starting from St. Stephen's Church (signboard) 
by way of the Snowden Road, which presently becomes 
the Marlimund Road, the fine Marlimund reservoir is 
reached. From this point the road, continuing becomes 
the Connemara Road (two miles from St. Stephen's 
Church). The road leads on without interruption for 
three miles when the Sigur ghat corner is reached. 
Here a sharp swing to the right places one on the Sigur 
Road, whence it is five miles back to the original 
starting point. 

Starting as above on the Snowden Road, and following The Ampthilt 
the same route on to the Connemara Road, a shorter ^ 
round of seven miles may be taken by branching off by 
the Ampthill Road, the signboard of which points the 
way. The Sigur Road is joined at the Golf Links Road, 
and so leads on to the Church, 

A very pretty run of about seven miles may be had on The Haveloct 
the Havelock Road, but on account of its steepness is " 
impracticable for bicycles. Starting near the entrance 
to the Government Gardens, this road passes the new 
Roman Catholic Church and ascends a long hill. It 
crosses the Snowden Road and passes up behind St. 
Stephen's Church, whence it continues on past the Club, 
Sylk's Hotel and Tudor Hall, joining the Sigur Road by 
the Golf Links and returning home by way of Kandal 
village and the lake. 



46 



NILGIRI GUIDE 'AWD- DIRECTORY 



EXCURSIONS AROUND OOTY 

Fairlawns Snowden Talukoonda Kulhutti Falls 

Billicul - Pykara Pykara Falls Avalanche 

Mclvor's Bund Avalanche Top Murkarti Peak- 

Cycling ^Kullar Kateri Falls. 

| NOTE. TV/ <? country around Ooty is ideal for 
picnicking, camping, or touring. All provisions should 
be taken with parties, and, if a night is to he spent at 
a Travellers' Bungalow, all bedding as well. Crockery 
need never be taken. Visitors need never concern 
themselves as to route. A good coolie, preferably a 
Badaga, may be relied upon to lead or direct the way.\ 

Fairlawns This is a most charming picnic spot, and fairly close 

to Ooty, being about three miles distance from the 
station itself, and only two miles from Fernhill Railway 
Station. As a picnic spot or rather, dancing ground- 
it is almost historical. Burton, in his Goa and the Blue 
Mountains, says : * During the fine season the votaries 
of Terpischore display very fantastic toes indeed, 
particularly if they wear Neilgherry-made boots, between 
the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.' As Mr. Francis, in his 
witty comment on this antiquity remarks, * In these 
degenerate days people do not care to dance in boots on 
grass through the hottest hours of the day ; but 
Fairlawns is still a favourite place for picnics.' 

Snowden Snowden, a magnificent mountain cone named after 

the famous Welsh peak it so much resembles in form, 
is situated about two and half miles from St. Stephen's 
Church, the greater part of the way being possible by 
carriage. There is another route through the Govern- 
ment Gardens (by foot only) which is very steep, and 
not recommended on the way up. It is 8,299 feet in 
height, next only in height to Dodabetta itself. The 
view is magnificent. 

Talukoonda Talukoonda, situated at the head of the Sigur 
(pronounced, and sometimes spelt Se^gor) ghat is five 




ABOVE KULHUTTI FALLS 



OOTACAMUND 47 

miles, by first class carriage road, from St. Stephen's 
Church. But no carriages should attempt the Sigur 
ghat below, as it is very steep; it is good enough for 
riding, though. The view from Talukoonda over the 
Mysore Plateau is very fine. On the extreme right can 
be seen the hills near Kotagiri ; Billicul with its 
shimmering lake ; and, in the far distance, BelJigiri 
Rangan Hills. Looking straight down the gorge lies 
the Sigur plateau ever drought-stricken and malarious. 
Beyond, and forming the northern boundary of the 
Nilgiri District, may be seen the ' Mysore Ditch,' in 
which flows the Moyar river. On the further side lies 
the fertile plateau of Mysore, with the large tank of 
Gundlepet ; beyond which again, in clear weather, may 
be descried the little hill of Chamundi, at the foot of 
which Mysore City lies. 

A mile from Talukoonda, described above, lies the Kulhutti 
small village of Kulhutti (also spelt Kalhalti), about six s 
miles from Ooty. The village proper is a Badaga 
village, but there are about a hundred Tamil settlers 
.engaged in potato growing. There is a branch of the 
Basel Mission to the Badagas, with its school and 
padre ; a post office and chutram. The Downham Fruit 
.and Dairy Farm is also situated here. Below the 
toll-bar the country is purely Badaga, and is well culti- 
vated with its barley, wheat, and potatoes. Opposite 
the eighth milestone is the Travellers' Bungalow, which is 
situated on a spur facing the lower ghat. The Kulhutti 
Falls face the bungalow. They have a drop of eighty 
feet into a fine pool, and, as our illustration shows, are 
most picturesque. The footpath leading to the falls 
passes through a native coffee estate, and there is a nice 
spot for picnics under the large trees that border the 
pool. On the other side of the river lies the Sophia 
Estate and the old Government Experimental Gardens 
which were abandoned when the park and garden at 
Coonoor (where the elevation and climate are similar) 
were opened up. This land was purchased by Mr. 
George Oakes, who has again planted it with the best 



48 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

varieties of oranges, cherrymoyas, and other sub-tropical' 
fruits. Here and at Downham, already mentioned, Mr. 
Oakes, has also proved that the great majority of Euro- 
pean fruits can be raised to advantage : his strawberries,, 
especially, are remarkable for size and flavour. 

BUIikai Distant six miles from Ooty, and a thousand feet below 

it lies the little hamlet of Billikal (pronounced and often 
spelt, Bilicul). The most direct road from Ooty is 
by the Snowden Marlimund Connemara Road, from 
which last a steep bridlepath leads down to the bungalow.. 
From below Kulhutti Travellers' Bungalow, a bridle 
road leads up through the Kulhutty Coffee Estate to 
Billikal, distance three miles and road in bad order. 
Billikal was one of the first spots, selected in 1833 by 
Sir Wm. Rumbold, to be opened up as a farm, and has 
since frequently changed hands. There is a fine 
bungalow and small flower garden, but the fruit trees, 
for which the place was for many years famous, have all 
died out from neglect. There is a nice piece' of water 
in which some sport with the rod may be had, and 
there is good small game shooting in the neighbourhood. 
The view from the lookout is particularly fine. 

Pykara Quite one of the nicest excursions from Ooty 

whether by motor, carriage, bicycle (though there are 
some stiff climbs both ways), or by ' rick" is to Pykara 
(or,. Paikara). Distance, twelve miles. The main ghat 
road to Mysore by way of Gudalur, is taken, and, 
as will be found under Motor Runs, the road is 
good. There is a first-class travellers' bungalow 
situated on the further side of the broad Pykara stream, 
of which it commands a sweeping view. Accom- 
modation for a party of three or four persons may here 
be had. Bedding and provisions, as usual, must be 
brought by visitors. There is said to be good carp 
fishing just below the bridge which spans the stream, 
and in the lower waters. But the great charm of the 
place perhaps, is its perfect serenity, sparkling atmos- 
phere, and enchanting surroundings. Those who wish to 
visit the Falls, described below, must retrace their steps 



OOTACAMUND 49 

from the bungalow two miles along the main road, and 
thence 'proceed by bridle path. 

The Pykara Falls, sixteen and a half miles from Ooty, Pykara Falls 
are among the finest of those of the Nilgiris. From 
August to December they are well worth visiting ; but 
in July they are at their best and are then a grand sight. 
Unfortunately the weather during that month is so wet 
that few people attempt the trip. 

From Ooty the journey is made by the well-kept cart 
road for ten miles and then for five and a quarter miles 
by road which is usually in good order. So far the 
journey can be made in any conveyance from a motor to 
a rickshaw. Here, by ascending a small hill on one's 
right, an unsurpassable view is obtained : the Sigur 
country is at your feet with Mysore beyond, Wynaad 
and the Western Ghats in the west and to the east the 
precipitous edge of the Nilgiris. This view alone is 
worth the journey. 

From this point there is a good bridle path one and a 
quarter miles long. After a descent of three and a quarter 
miles we come to the upper fall, a lovely sight when the 
river is in flood, and a half mile further down there is 
the lower fall with a greater drop than the other. Here 
there is a small summer house with seats and table. 

Situated sixteen miles from Ootacamund, and practi- Avalanche 
cal for carriages (not motors) for nine miles. The 
remaining six miles may be accomplished on pony or on 
foot. There is an excellent Travellers' Bungalow, con- 
taining a central room with fireplace, two bedrooms 
with bathrooms, kitchen, and stable with four stalls. 
It is furnished with chairs, tables, baths, cooking kit, 
crockery and x cutlery. Visitors must bring their own 
bedding and all provisions, and if a stay of any duration, 
is contemplated it will not be found difficult to arrange, 
for regular supplies from Ooty by means of cooly and 
at no great cost. 

The trip to Avalanche is one of the finest to be had 
on the Nilgiris, and to the lover of Nature in all her 
varied forms, as^well as to the sportsman (whether he 
4 



50 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

shoot with camera or gun), the surroundings to be found 
here will especially appeal. The bungalow, which may 
be seen from the top of the Havelock Road in Ooty, 
nestles at the foot of a large shola on the south side of 
the wide and beautiful valley of Avalanche, facing the 
Bettumund or Himigala Hill which separates the 
Avalanche and Emerald valleys and' which, from the 
numbers of ibex that formerly haunted its cliffs, was 
known as Chamois Hill. Avalanche gets its name 
from a tremendous landslip which took place about 1 824, 
reference to which may be found in Mr. Harkness' book 
on the Todas. ' There was a constant fall of rain for 
eight days, with heaving rolling thunder ; during all 
which time the winds were so tempestuous, and the 
country so enveloped in darkness that none dared stir 
from their homes. When, at length, the weather cleared 
up they discovered the tremendous havoc that had been 
made, and that the Pavhk, overflowing its banks in every 
direction, was surcharged with the wrecks and fragments 
of the mountain sides.' 

Through the valley runs a line stream, which, like 
many of the Kundah streams, appears ideal for trout. 
Indeed, for long, efforts have been made to introduce 
this game fish into these waters and the hatcheries 
recently established here are meeting with a well- 
merited success. The flowering trees and shrubs of 
the valley are varied and profuse. Rhododendrons and 
magnolias abound in the jungles, and orchids and blue 
gentians in the grass, while the arum or Nilgiri lily lines 
the banks of the stream. 

Mclvor's Making the bungalow at Avalanche head-quarters, 

Bund many interesting excursions may be made in the neigh- 

bourhood. Mclvor's Bund is distant four miles from 
the bungalow by bridlepath. Mr. Francis gives a 
most interesting account of the attempt made by Mr. 
W. G. Mclvor to make a bund across a ravine by the 
silting process 'which consists in leading streams down 
to the site of the work, and leaving them to bring the 
silt down to the work and deposit it there exactly where 



OOTACAMUND 51 

it rs wanted ! ' A bund 140 feet high was contemplated, 
but when the work had reached eighty- one feet, a 
freshet topped the bund and carried practically the 
whole of it away down the stream. Two stone culverts 
alone stand to mark the ruin of the enterprise. 

This is at the top of the Kundahs, two and a half miles Avalanche 
from the Avalanche bungalow. The pass is considered ^ 
the finest in all the Nilgiris. Dr. Benza, the geologist, 
wrote of it : * The view from all points of this ascent 
is really grand. I do not remember having seen any- 
where such a wild, yet magnificent spectacle as the 
ravine formed by the two hills the one of the Avalanche 
chain, the other of the eastern range of the Kundahs. 
The thick impervious jungle, extending its whole length 
occupies also the lower half of the steep declivity of 
both the hills, and is succeeded by the usual carpet-like 
covering of dense turf, which extends to the very pin- 
nacles of these prodigious altitudes. At every turn of 
the road a most striking and superb coup d'oeil presents 
itself- the nearly vertical side of the Avalanche Hill 
with its precipitous battlement-like summit the enor- 
mous prismatic masses, three or four in number, 
bursting as it were through the turf-covered soil of the 
steep decilivity of the hill ; one of which, in particular, 
looks like a huge Martello-tower stuck to the nearly 
vertical side of the mountain while the magnificent 
ravine to the left completes the striking scene before 
us.' 

' From the top of the pass,' says Mr. Francis in his 
Gazetteer (from which many of the foregoing notes have 
been taken), ' it is an easy walk eastwards along the 
south side of the ravine to the top of the big hill imme- 
diately above the bungalow. The same point can also be 
reached from the bungalow itself by going a hundred 
yards along the path to Mclvor's Bund and then turning 
sharp to the right up the steep grass slope above it. 
The view from this hill is one of the most comprehensive 
in all the plateau for the panorama begins with Makurti 
Peak, on the north, and embraces the Avalanche 



52 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Valley ; Ootacamund and Dodabetta ; the heights of 
Devashola and Coonoor (conspicuous by their blue-, 
gums) ; the Bhavani Valley, up which drift lazy clouds ; 
beyond that Lambton's Peak range and (on clear days) 
the Anaimalais; Bellairambai, Mottakad and Tai 
sholas three of the biggest woodlands on the plateau 
lying one behind the other the Palghat hills beyond 
them ; close at hand the sugar-loaf peak of Derbetta, or 
Bear Hill ; and, last, the quieter beauties of the undulat- 
ing land, which stretches away westwards to Sispara.' 
Mukarti Seventeen miles from Ootacamund, and easily acces- 

sible, Mukarti Peak is certainly the most notable height 
of the Nilgiris. It stands 8,380 feet above the sea, and 
commands one of the most magnificent views to be seen 
throughout India. Dr. Benza, already referred to, 
describing the scene from its summit, wrote : ' What a 
view ! Who can describe in words the scenery which 
burst all at once on our sight ! I doubt much whether 
even the pencil could give, not an adequate represen- 
tation, but an approximation to it of the terrific spectacle 
that came to view. ... I never saw such impres- 
sive mountain scenery before, Sispara's amphitheatre 
not excepted, which is too small, too tame and 
regular, to bear comparison with this. . . . Fearing 
giddiness, I did not attempt to walk to the brink 
of the precipice, but I crawled for the last twenty yards 
and when near the Swamy, which stands at the very 
pinnacle of the cone, I sat down and after a few min- 
utes rest I crept on all fours to the brink projecting my 
head only beyond the precipice. 

' How can pen describe the horrific confusion at the, 
bottom of this awful abyss! Huge masses, portions 
of mountains I should say, lay scattered, or heaped upi, 
in frightful disorder at the foot of the parent mountain, 
which rises like an, enormous column hiding its lofty, sum : 
mit in the clouds. I could not gaze at this frightful 
scence, more than, two. or three minutes; and I retired, 
creeping back to the Swamy where we enjoyed again 
the sight, of the recess of the Kundahs.' 



OOTACAMUND 53 

Not only from a scenic, but also from a legendary 
standpoint is Mukarti Peak of great interest. The 
name in Canarese means * cut nose. ' One, quoted by 
Metz, says that ' Ravana, the demon-king of Ceylon, 
furious at finding that the people of the plateau paid him 
less reverence than his enemy Rama alias Rangasvami, 
pronounced a curse upon them and threw into the air a 
handful of dust, which turned into the two kinds of vermin, 
with which their houses and persons are still infested. 
Rama thereupon cut off Ravana's sister's nose in 
revenge, and stuck it up in the prominent positions it 
still occupies as a permanent warning that he 
was not to be trifled with. 1 The other legend, given 
by Shortt, avers that in days gone by when female 
infanticide prevailed among the Todas the condemned 
babies used to be taken to this side of the hill to be put 
out of the way ; and so no Toda woman was allowed to 
approach it. One of them disobeyed the injunction and 
her nose was cut off as a punishment. It was, however, 
turned into this peak and she became a goddess. In 
song, fable, and story Mukarti finds a place with all the 
hill tribes. The Todas believe that from its lofty pin- 
nacle the souls of their men and buffaloes leap into the 
Beyond. 

The excursion to Mukarti Peak cannot conveniently The 
be made in a single day. But, as a two or three days' Excursioii 
trip, it forms a delightful jaunt. A tent and the accom- 
panying impedimenta are therefore necessary. It 
would be impossible to lay down any fixed course of 
procedure in arranging for the excursion. Enquiry at 
the various shops in one's station will invariably lead 
to the securing of a tent. Camp beds and a double set 
of blankets are desirable for comfort. Cuisinary 
arrangements may be as elaborate or as simple as you 
please ; but it is always well to have a boy with you 
to cook and look after one's creature comforts. The 
trip may be made on foot, ordinary bicycle (for the 
greater part of the way), or on pony-back. Pack-ponies 
for baggage may be secured at Kandal. There is a 



54 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

splendid camping ground just at the foot of Mukarti 
bluff, possessing the essentials of a flat piece of ground, 
well sheltered from winds, wood for fuel, and pure 
water for drinking and cooking. 

Pack ponies The writer's own experience may be briefly given 
here. Arrangements having been completed, as we 
thought, on the previous day it was decided to start at 
six in the morning. Ponies were ordered for this hour 
as also our breakfast. Neither appeared on the scene 
at the appointed time the ponies not arriving till nine 
o'clock. Tent and baggage, variously assorted, lay dis- 
posed on the drive in seven pony -packs. Result on 
loading was that the demand in bulk and weight exceed- 
ed the supply in cattle, and two other ponies had to be 
requisitioned. Consequently, it was eleven in the 
morning instead of six before the expedition finally took 
the road. (MORAL : Have your ponies brought to the 
house, if possible, the night before, or have your servant 
at Kandal an hour and a half before ponies are needed 
to bring them along. Also, appropriate your pony -loads 
with approximate accuracy before ordering.) 

En route In this case, we elected to ride our bicycles as far as 

possible and to complete the journey on pony. Our men 
well on the road, we followed up, taking the road by 
St. Thomas' Church onto Governor's Sholaand Krurmund. 
The road was fairly easy going, occasioning some up-hill 
pushing and some correspondingly delightful down-hill 
runs. The main road ceases just beyond Ootacamund 
and the way becomes first a small bridle path and then a 
mere track. We had a most exhilarating run on to 
Hodgson's Hut where we awaited the coming of our 
coolies. A little further on we exchanged bicycle for 
pony ; though, with the exception of a number of small 
fords there is no reason why we should not have cycled 
to the foot of the mountain. The ponies made slow 
progress and we beheld the famous Peak in the evening 
light. Dusk beginning to fall when we reached the foot 
of the mountain, our shikari counselled us making 
camp in the Mukarti valley. He was a' useless kind of 



OOTACAMUND 55 

a creature, as it subsequently proved, and I afterwards 
much regretted giving in to him ; as it was I did so 
only because of the necessity of pitching camp and of 
the on-coming night. 

I made the ascent of Mukarti on the following morn- Mukarti sid< 
ing. As I climbed up the steep mountain-side path in 
the brilliant morning sun the surrounding scene was a 
perfect dream of loveliness. The mists shimmered and 
broke in the valley below revealing here and there the 
silver windings of the Mukarti stream. Beyond, the 
grass-grown hills, now brown after the winter frosts, lay 
fold upon fold with the smoothness and sheen of shot- 
silk, embroidered in their clefts and ravines with stunted 
sholas in a hundred hues from vivid scarlet to delicate 
green. On the near mountain -side a precipitous moun- 
tain gorge had found its way and, watered by the little 
stream that I was to become further acquainted with, 
its banks ran riot with beautiful ferns and wild flowers 
in great variety, over-hung by mushroom-topped jungle- 
trees ; stunted, gnarled and twisted specimens, venerable 
with age and draped with ' old-man's -beard '. The 
fall and plash of a small cascade put the finishing touch 
upon this peep in the fairly-land. The beauty of that 
morning actually took one's breath away as also did 
the climbing Makurti side ! 

Presently I came upon the little camping-ground I Camping 
had been told of, but of the existence of which the 
shikari and my companion had had their doubts the 
evening before. It was an ideal spot. Wood there 
was in abundance and, in a little brook adjacent, crystal 
water, impossible of contamination and probably from a 
true mountain spring. A little wood on the one side 
and a high bank on the other forms a shelter from frosts 
and winds, and I woefully thought of our exposed wind- 
swept camp in the valley below. The climb from here 
to the Peak is stiff, and is the only portion of the way 
which cannot be accomplished on pony. 

The description of the view from the Peak itself has The Peak 
been so ably described further back in these pages that 



56 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

I shall not mar it t>y an attempt to depict its wonders 
here. I need only mention that it is undoubtedly one of 
the finest, if not actually the finest view to be obtained 
on these Hills ; the breadth and the depth of the 
panorama on all sides being stupendous. A good pair 
of field glasses and a thermos flask are both welcome 
on the summit. 

Summary In summarizing the experiences of the trip, J advise 

all who have the time and opportunity to make it to do 
so ; and when making it to arrange a three days* excur- 
sion a day for the outward journey, a day for the return 
and a day to be spent on the spot. Ponies can be 
secured for a reasonable rate (Rs. 25 covering the ex- 
penses of a three days' trip for two of us). In future I 
should make the trip entirely on bicycle with a Badaga 
coolie for wheeling the machine up-hill and a stout pair 
of boots for wading intervening streams. And under no 
circumstances would I camp anywhere but at the foot of 
the bluff a spot so self-evidently a .camping-ground 
that it cannot be missed. Casual enquiries by the way 
need leave no one in doubt as to the correctness of the 
route itself. 

Cycle Runs In these degenerate days of the motor-car and cycle, 
the ordinary bicycle, of which we were so proud in 
former years, has fallen into disrepute and is now refer- 
red to under the odious sobriquet the ' push-bicycle ' ! 
Still, there be those who still cling in a certain measure 
to the old love, and many a glorious spin, combined 
with a wholesome amount of hill-climbing on foot, do 
these Hills afford; while the air is so cool and invigorat- 
ing that what would otherwise become fatigue develops 
only into healthy exercise. Many fine runs may be 
gathered in the foregoing pages. It remains to add 
two extraordinarily fine cycle runs. 

Ootacamund Not the least of the advantages to be derived from the 

to Kullar Nilgiri Railway is the opportunity it affords cyclists of 
the above class to indulge in what is possibly an unique 
S pj n certainly so, so far as India is concerned. I refer 
to the practically unbroken * coast ' of twenty-four and a 



OOTACAMUND 57 

half miles between Craigmore toll-bar, one and a half 
miles from Ootacamund to Kullar at the foot of the 
ghats. During the whole run one has only to pedal for 
a, hundred yards, or so, and the road is of a gradient not 
too steep to make cycling uncomfortable. 

An early morning start is essential. Leaving Ooty 
at seven in the morning, the run can comfortably be 
made so as to catch the 9.36 up-mail train at Kullar at 
the foot of the ghats, which returns one to Ooty a 
quarter past two in the afternoon in time for lunch. 
The only other stations below Coonoor which are acces- 
sible from the road are Kateri Road Station, at which 
the Mail arrives at 12.2 p.m. and Runnymede, where 
the Mail arrives at 11.45 a.m. The alternative to this 
is the later train, which carries third class passengers 
only, but where the ardent cyclist will usually find a 
convenient seat, which arrives at Kullar at 1.5 p.m. ; 
Runnymede at 3.24 p.m. ; Kateri Road at 3-41 p.m., 
and which stops altogether at Coonoor at four o'clock. 
Here one would have to wait till 5.55 p.m. for the local 
train which arrives at Ootacamund at 7.25 p.m. The 
Mail Train is therefore the one to catch. 

Another most delightful run, with a * coast ' almost Kateri Falls 
all the way, is from Ootacamund to Kateri Road Station 
via the Keti Valley and Kateri Falls. In this instance 
one may leave Ooty as late as 10 a.m., so as to catch 
the up-mail at Kateri Road at noon (12.2 p.m.) The 
route is not difficult to follow. From Ootacamund one 
cycles down the main ghat roacl, past Craigmore toll-bar 
and on to what used to be known in the old tonga days 
as the Half-way House. This is easily recognizable in 
the small (and only) village of Yellanhulli about five 
miles from Ootacamund. Here one leaves the main 
road by a small road which branches of! in a sharp 
hair-pin turn to the right at the entrance to the village, 
and which continues to Keti Railway Station. One 
proceeds, however, only about thirty yards along this 
road, when another hair-pin turn to the left sets one's 
face towards Coonoor again. Hence, it is perfectly 



58 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

plain sailing with one exception, which is found about a 
furlong further on, where a road continues straight on, 
leading eventually to the Cordite Factory. Cyclists 
should carefully avoid this road and take the hair-pin 
corner to the right, followed again by a hair-pin corner to 
the left, and so straight on. If one bears in mind that 
within two furlongs, or so, of Yellanhulli four hair-piu 
corners should have been taken, one may be quite 
certain that the correct route has been followed. The 
spin through the Keti Valley is charming, and quite 
unlike any other run on the Nilgiris. Above the Falls 
one skirts the lake-like dam that has been made to 
conserve the water for the Cordite Factory Power 
Station at the foot of the Falls. A magnificent view of 
the surrounding hills is obtained from the head of the 
Falls, and, after a run of a couple of miles down hill,, 
the Falls themselves robbed of their erstwhile grandeur 
by the Power Station, it is true, but still maintaining 
something of their past dignity in the overflow present 
a fine spectacle, One runs on past the Power Station 
residential quarters, just below which the road takes a 
sharp left-hand turn ; and, after passing another toll- 
gate, the small village of Kateri is run through and so 
on, without confusion, to the main ghat road which is 
readily recognizable. In order to get to Kateri Road 
Station one continues for about a hundred yards down 
the main Ghat Road when the station itself is seen off 
the road. This is certainly a run that no one possessing 
an ordinary bicycle should miss. It is well adapted to 
motor-cycles also, but the road is hardly a comfortable 
one for motor-cars. 




COONOOR RAILWAY STATION 




SIM'S PARK FERNERY 



COONOOR 

Coonoor Main Ghat RoadSanitation Scenery. Pub- 
lic Institutions : The Pasteur Institute Public 
Library. Churches : All Saints' St. Anthony's 
Union Church Schools : Stanes* European High 
School Hebron School St. Joseph's College - 
St. Joseph's Convent. Lawley Hospital. 

COONOOR, the second largest of the Hill stations, is Coonoor 
situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of 
the Dodabetta range, at the head of the grand Hulicul 
ravine, and stands at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. :, 
It was constituted a municipality in 1866, and forms the 
Government administrative centre of the large taluk of 
the same name. The municipality extends over a large 
area. It contains about 175 Kuropean residences, and 
has a permanent European population of about 800 
persons. The Native population may be estimated at 
about 10,000. Owing to the large annual influx of 
visitors, these figures are considerably increased during 
the Season months ; while there is always a large float- 
ing population. 

The town is naturally divided into two distinct parts, 
comprising, respectively, the European and Native dis- 
tricts. The European residences, business houses,, 
hotels, and public buildings, are situated on what may 
best be described as a miniature table-land, formed by a 
group of lesser hills. Almost engirdling this, lies an 
irregular crescent of valley and gorge, through which 
speed little turbulent tributaries of the Coonoor stream,, 
which itself plunges down the main gorge. The Native 
district lies in and about a valley which runs at an angle 
to the Hulicul gorge. On the slopes of the further hill, 
the Police head-quarters, the Tahsildar's court and offices, 



60 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



The Main 
Jload 



Sanitation 



Scenery 



and the S.I. Railway employees' quarters stand out in 
bold relief. 

The main road from the railway station crosses the 
fork of the Coonoor and Wellington streams, and passes 
along the valley of the former. Along the level, the 
road is flanked on the one side by the Municipal market, 
on the other by bazaars, but these cease directly the 
ascent begins. The steeps of the adjacent hill are 
hidden by a mass of congested native houses, save where 
a narrow artery of petty bazaars cleaves a way. The 
main road, ascending by the stream, continues below ; 
then, suddenly sweeping round passes above this quarter, 
encountering a few of the larger and more respectable 
native shops on its way. But long before the ascent is 
completed these, too, are left behind, and no vestige of 
native town remains. 

The natural separateness of the European from the 
native part of the town, which is thus effected, is of 
supreme importance from a sanitary point of view. 
Above, the air is fresh and pure, and cannot be contami- 
nated by that below. The undulating surface and slopes 
of the hills carry away in their surface drainage all 
decaying matter and there is no chance for stagnation. 
So distinct are the two localities, that they bear but 
slight relationship in the mind of the native ; when he 
speaks of * going to Coonoor,' he refers to the town 
proper a phrase that sounds rather ridiculous to a resi- 
dent of the place. The European, on the other hand, 
more especially applies the term to his own suburban 
part of the town. 

The Coonoor of the English, then, is a most delightful 
suburb. The roads, despite their great elevation, are 
fairly level, so that one may cycle with ease about the 
station, and driving or walking are rendered equally 
pleasant.- The scenery in every part is exquisite; its 
great diversity adding to the charms of beauty or gran- 
deur. The woodland scenery round about (jungle seems 
too harsh a term) is particularly lovely ; giant tree-ferns 
seek the shady and moist places, here and there flank- 




THE PASTEUR INSTITUTE 



The 

happy centre 
of social 

life in 
Coonoor 



Whither 

hundreds of 

1 dog-bites ' 

come every 

year 




THE COONOOR CLUB 




Possessing 

a lovely view 

and 

well-filled 
book-shelves 



THE COONOOR LIBRARY 



COONOOR 61 

ing a roadway with their graceful fronds ; above them 
arch the umbrageous canopy of jungle trees, with their 
mottled, smooth trunks and twisted branches ; the bright 
crimson of rhododendrons with which the woods abound 
gives a vivid touch of colour to the many hues of forest 
green ; along the banks, in well- sheltered spots, ferns of 
many varieties, from hardy bracken to delicate and 
dainty maiden-hair, may be found ; while a medley of 
orchids, dog-roses, honey-suckle, and a large variety of 
beautiful wild flowers are met with in their favourite 
haunts. One cannot fail to be impressed, too, with the 
tremendous scope and wonderful effects of mountain 
landscape which open up in charming vista with every 
turn of the road. On the one side of the station lies 
the great Hulicul ravine and gorge, with the noble 
Droog rearing its wooded crests beyond ; on the other, 
towards, Ooty, lie gentler hills, abounding in grass and 
shola, and patched, here and there with Badaga fields ; 
while in between lie fertile valleys. The genial climate 
lends to the whole a sense of tranquillity that is rarely 
met with in the * shining East.' 

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 

On account of its cool and salubrious climate and The Pasteur 
central position, Coonoor bears the proud distinction of I 
having been selected as the most suitable location in the 
presidency for the establishment of the Pasteur Institute 
of Southern India. The foundation of the Institute was 
due to the munificence of a wealthy American, Mr. 
Henry Phipps, who placed a large sum at the disposal 
of Lord Curzon (then Viceroy of India), one lakh of 
which was transferred to the Government of Madras, 
to be devoted to, this specific object. The Institute is 
situated near Sim's Park, within a few minutes' walk of 
Hill Grove Hotel. The main building stands in 
spacious grounds which are well laid out. It is an 
oblong two-storied structure, with turrets at each corner,, 
and presents a solid and rather imposing appearance. 
Plans for the Institute were drawn up, and building. started 



62 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

in 1905. On April 25, 1907, the Institute was publicly 
opened by H. E. Sir Arthur Lawley, Governor of 
Madras, who, with H. H. the Nizam of Hyderabad, 
H. H. the Maharajah of Mysore, H. H, the Maharajah 
of Travancore, and H. H. the Rajah of Cochin are 
patrons of the Association. Major J . W. Cornwall, 
I. M.S., is in charge of the Institute, and he is assisted in 
his work by Asst. Surgeon H. M. LaFrenais and a large 
staff of assistants. The large number of patients that are 
in attendance at the Institute, at all times of the year, is 
ample testimony as to the excellent work that is being 
accomplished. It may not be generally known by 
patients that the Institute depends, to some extent, for 
its support on public donations. Members are enrolled 
with an entrance fee of Rs. 5 and an annual subscription 
of Rs. 5. Treatment is free. 

The Coonoor The first library in Coonoor was started as early as 
the year 1864, and was placed in the premises now 
occupied by the Post Office. It was later shifted for a 
short time to the Assembly Rooms. The present fine 
building was constructed in 1903 from designs by Major 
E. R. B. Stokes- Roberts, R.E. The upper storey, 
which is on the road level, consists of a large, well- 
lighted reading-room, beautifully furnished, and having 
on its tables the majority of the standard magazines and 
illustrated periodicals, and also a number of daily papers. 
The reading-room is surrounded by a wide verandah, 
which commands a sweeping view and which forms a 
very pleasant lounge. Below are found the large circu- 
lating department, and silent rooms. 

Conditions of Membership 

All persons residing in Coonoor, Wellington or the 
neighbourhood are eligible, subject to approval of the 
Committee. 

Entrance fee of Rs. 10, and monthly subscription of 
(Single), Rs. 3 ; Family, Rs. 4. Book members pay 
a monthly subscription of Rs. 2, (no entrance fee) but 
they are not permitted the use of the Reading Room. 




ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, COONOOR 



COONOOK 63 

Honorary Secretary :' W. Rhodes James, Esq. 
'Committee: Sir Frederick Nicholson, K.C.I.E., W. 
Rhodes James, Esq., Major J. W. Cornwall, I. M.S. 
and J. Gray, Esq., I.C.S. Librarian : U. S. Phanuel. 

CHURCHES 

A.LL SAINTS' CHURCH, with its rose-embowered gate- All Saints' 
ways, graceful cyprus trees, picturesque cemetery, and 
weather-stained walls, is one of the prettiest little 
churches to be seen in India. The edifice is gothic in 
style and was designed by Captain P. M. Francis, 
Madras Engineers. Major- General Kennett made a 
free gift of the land for the site and burial ground, and 
superintended the construction of the Church. He 
later presented it with a clock and an east window, the 
glass of which was mostly painted by his own hand. 
The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1851, 
.and the Church was consecrated three years later. In 
1 879 the foundation stone of the chancel was laid by the 
venerable Bishop Gell, whose mortal remains now lie 
interred just beyond its walls. Of the many monuments 
to be found in the graveyard, none bears a more pathetic 
legend than that of General Kennett, who was foully 
murdered at the hands of assassins in 1857. The 
cemetery is now closed; the present burial ground being 
situated on Tiger Hill, about two miles from the 
Church. 

Sunday Services : 

Holy Communion ... 8.30 a.m. 
Mattins and Sermon 11.30 ,, 
Evensong and Sermon 6.0 p.m. 

Week-day Service : Evensong on Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH (Roman Catholic) overlooks Anthony's 
the town, and may be seen from many points in the 
station. It was built in 1876, and has just had a new 
tower and steeple added to it, which greatly improves 
its appearance. 

THE UNION CHURCH forms the meeting place of The Union 
.the Nonconformist bodies. Its services are held in the 



64 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

large hall of Stanes' European High School, and its- 
work has ever been closely associated, with that institu- 
tion. During the summer months it is usual to hold the 
Sunday morning service at nine o'clock, but during the 
winter at eleven. The evening service is held at 5.30, 
A general prayer meeting is held on Fridays at 5 p.m., 
and there are usually Bible readings on stated days 
during the week. 

SCHOOLS 

Hebron Girls' HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL, for girls, is another edu- 
cational institution of which the station is justly proud. 
Its pupils are mostly the daughters of missionaries on 
the plains, but there are also a number of day-pupils. 
Boys under the age of nine are also accepted. The 
school has recently entered its new home, which is 
situated in one of the healthiest and most secluded parts 
of the station. The school buildings are contained in fine 
grounds and the surroundings are ideal. Miss Chaplin 
is in charge with a large staff of teachers. Pupils are 
prepared for the Cambridge Locals and other examina- 
tions, and the results, so far, have been most gratifying. 
St. Joseph's ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, a high school for boys, is 
College t j ie } ar g es t institution of its kind on the Nilgiris. The 

present roll of its pupils considerably exceeds hundred, 
the large majority of whom are boarders. The school 
is in charge of a Principal who, with most of a large 
staff of teachers, belongs to the Irish Order of the 
Brothers of St. Patrick. As with most Roman Catholic 
schools, however, no restriction is made as to creed, and 
among the pupils are many Protestants. The college is 
situated on the saddle of a hill on the Wellington side of 
the station, and is a massive building standing in 
extensive grounds and commanding a magnificent view. 
The college has its own football and hockey field, and 
field sports of all kinds are encouraged. There is also 
a gymnasium. The pupils muster between them a 
strong Cadet Corps which is attached to the Nilgiri 
Volunteer Rifles.. 



COONOOR 65 

ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT, situated near the Roman st Joseph's 
Catholic Church, is a girls' school, and under totally Convent 
different management from St. Joseph's College. It 
was started in 1 900 by six Sisters of St. Joseph de Tarbes. 
It receives a large number of boarders, besides a few 
day-scholars. 

THE COONOOR CLUB 

The Club is centrally situated on the saddle of the hill 
just above Hill Grove Hotel, and is contained in spacious 
grounds. Of the various buildings, the Assembly Rooms 
were the first to be erected. They include a large hall 
with a splendid floor for dancing, and at the further end is 
a stage fitted with all the necessary fixtures, green room, 
dressing rooms, etc. In the same building is a ladies' 
drawing-room and a card room ; and a fine pavilion 
looking out upon the tennis and badminton courts, which 
forms the usual rendezvous for society, generally, in the 
afternoon. On the other side of the grounds lie the 
gentlemen's quarters, with a fine billiard room containing 
five or six tables, card rooms, smoke room, dining-room, 
etc. Quite close at hand is the library which is of great 
convenience. There is also a roller-skating rink, which 
is always well-patronized, and a squash racquet court. 
During the summer months a programme for the events 
from month to month is posted in the pavilion, and 
hardly a day is left unreserved for some special feature 
of entertainment or recreation, so that one may be sure 
of .a good time during a stay in Coonoor. 

Conditions of Membership 

Members must be European ladies or gentlemen mov- 
ing in general society or gentlemen in His Majesty's 
Services, who shall become eligible by ballot. There 
are three classes of members, viz. permanent, garrison 
and temporary. 

Permanent members, after being ballotted for, pay a 
donation as follows : Gentlemen, Rs. 100, Ladies, 
Rs. 30. Monthly subscription : Single Gentlemen, Rs. 7 ; 
5 



66 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Ladies, Rs. 5 ; Family, an additional Re. 1, also an 
annual subscription of Rs. 12 payable in advance. 

Garrison members (elected by Committee) : Single 
Gentlemen, Rs. 7; Ladies, Rs. 5 ; Family, an additional 
Re. 1. No entrance fee or annual subscription. Same 
rights as permanent members. 

Temporary members, pay the following subscriptions, 
for Gentlemen and Ladies, respectively : Up to 15 
days inclusive, Rs. 8 and Rs. 6 ; over 15 days up to 30 
days inclusive, Rs. 12 and Rs. 9 ; over 30 days up to 45 
days inclusive, Rs. 20 and Rs. 15 ; over 45 days up to 60 
days inclusive, Rs. 24 and Rs. 18. 

OFFICERS 

President.- Col. C. Ainshe, K.E. 
Hony. Secretary. E. \V. Stoney, Ksq., C.I.E. 

THE WELLINGTON GYMKHANA CLUB 

Accurately speaking, the Wellington Gymkhana Club 
should not be described under the title ' Coonoor,' for, 
as its name indicates, it belongs to the military canton- 
ment of Wellington. But, for the convenience of visitors 
to Coonoor by whom the Club is extensively patronized, 
it is included in this chapter. The Gymkhana Grounds 
and Racecourse are situated in a broad valley half-way 
between Wellington and Coonoor, about three-quarters 
of a mile from the Coonoor Club. The surroundings 
are extremely picturesque, with wooded slopes rising 
from the valley, and with bungalows here and there 
showing through the trees while seen from above, the 
Racecourse and maidan form a charming picture. Golf, 
tennis, cricket, polo, hockey, and football find an ample 
field. Great improvements have been carried out during 
the past years under the energetic supervision of 
successive Honorary Secretaries of the Club and the 
Golf Links have been enlarged by nine holes, thus 
affording an eigh teen-hole course. An amount of .level- 
ling and turfing has been done to the maidan enclosed by 
the Racecourse. Near the Tennis Courts is a Club 




z 

o 

o 



QJ 


H! 
<0 

tt 
^ 
O 
u 

LU 



- 
L 



COONOOR 67 

House and Pavilion, where tea and light refreshments 
may be had. Race meetings are held about the end of 
May of each year, and ' race- week ' is one of the j oiliest 
of the year. 

Conditions of Membership 

The following are eligible for membership : Perma- 
nent members of the Coonoor Club. Officers on full 
pay in Plis Majesty's Army, Navy, R. M. and Civil 
Service. Other persons moving in general society, after 
election by the Committee. Two classes of members 
Permanent and Temporary. 

Monthly subscriptions '.Permanent members Sin- 
gle Gentlemen, Rs. 5 ; Ladies, Rs. 4 ; Family, Rs. 7. 
Temporary members-- Single Gentlemen, Rs. 10; Laches, 
Rs. 7 ; Family, Rs. 12. 

All members pay Re. 1 per mensem tor Golf and 
Re. 1 for Tennis, irrespective of the number of times 
they play. 

President, The Senior Officer Commanding the 
Wellington Garrison. Honorary Secretary, Major 
A. W. Sampey. 

The Lawley Hospital, which replaced the old General The Lawley 
Hospital, is a remarkably fine institution and a great 8p 
credit to so small a Municipality as Coonoor. Indeed, 
it is very doubtful, whether there is another hospital 
in the Presidency, outside of Madras, which is so 
commodious and well equipped. 

The Lawley Hospital owes its inception to Major Inception 
R. Bryson, F.R.C.S.F., I.M.S., late District Medical 
and Sanitary Officer, Nilgiris, (to whom also this book 
is indebted for his valuable monograph on Islilgiri 
sanitaria). 

In 1910 Major Bryson accomplished the selection of 
a suitable site which had hitherto baffled his predeces- 
sors, and by his zeal and energy was instrumental 
in securing the preliminary money for the building 
of the new institution. Ponatins from local sources and 
others, too numerous to mention, secured and this sum 
was augmented by a grant from Government Rs. 10,000. 



68 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

The Hospital was opened by H. E. Sir Arthur Law- 
ley, then Governor of Madras, on May 25, 1914. 
The entire cost exceeded the original estimate of 
Rs. 80,000, amounting to about one lakh. Captain 
E. A. Roberts, I. M.S., who was one of Major Bryson's 
successors, saw that it was desirable to install electric 
lighting and in 1914 secured Rs. 5,000 for this purpose 
by local subscriptions. 

Equipment The Hospital is situated on the slope of one of the 
western spurs of the residential plateau of Coonoor and 
commands a magnificent view. The situation is ideal, 
as the European ward, at the head of the site, is easy 
of access from the European residential quarters, while 
the out-patient dispensary is equally convenient to all 
Indians from the lower town. The European ward 
consists of four rooms. Below this are placed, in 
separate blocks, the administration offices, the operation 
theatre, the sceptic ward, lying-in-ward, the nurses' 
quarters, general block for Indians, the Dispensary, 
Sub-Assistant Surgeon's quarters, isolation ward, and 
the post-mortem room. 

There is a pipe water supply for all the various blocks 
and it is proposed to install a separate cistern to serve the 
European ward and the operation theatre. The Hospi- 
tal is, as we have said, lighted with electricity through- 
out. The rate of fees for the European ward is from 
Rs. 2-8-0 and above, according to income. The Hospital 
is under the direction of the Medical Officer of the 
station, with two Sub-Assistant Surgeons, etc. 

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND 
ABOUT COONOOR 

Sim's ParkWalker's Hill Brooklands Road Tiger 
Hill Road Lamb's RockLady Canning's Seat 
Dolphin's Nose Teneriffe Law's Fall Kateri 
Fall The Droog. 

Sim's Park Sim's Park, so named after the Hon'ble J. D. Sim, C.S.I., 
who took a great interest in the acquiring and laying 



COONOOR 69 

out of the grounds, was begun in 1874 and taken over 
by the Government, partly as an experimental garden, 
in the same year. It occupies the slopes and base of a 
small ravine situated below the library and running in 
the Direction of the Racecourse. At the head of the 
gardens, the well-kept lawns and artistically laid out 
ornamental beds, lacking no wealth of flowering plant or 
shrub in great variety and colour, are remarkable. Over 
fine stretches of turf, trees of fir, cyprus and many 
beautiful exotic varieties have grown to huge proportions 
since they were planted, some thirty or forty years ago. 
The present curator, Mr. F. H. Butcher, has greatly 
improved the park by cutting out some of these old 
giants, which were monopolizing the view. At the foot 
of the ravine a miniature lake has been formed by 
damming up the little stream that flows through it. 
From the park gates a high-road slips down the hill 
beside the wire fencing and leads to the lower park gates, 
from which, again, a carriage road runs clown to the 
Racecourse. The scenery along this road is exquisite. 
Nowhere on the hills is there to be seen such a profuse 
growth of the graceful tree fern, and many other of the 
smaller varieties of beautiful ferns are to be found. 
Through here, too, are fine stretches of shola, rich in 
flaming rhododendron, and with wild flowering plants 
and trees, all growing as nature herself planted and 
preserved them in their primeval beauty. 

Coonoor abounds in beautiful walks and drives, and, of Walker's 
these, not the least is the turn of about three miles around "M* 
Walker's Hill, coming back by way of the Woodhouselee 
roael. From Sim's Park gates the road runs down the 
hill, skirting the park till the lower park gate is reached. 
The road now rises sharply, and passes through an 
exceedingly pretty little glade of jungle tree and tree 
fern. Coming to higher ground, a fine panorama bursts 
into view. Below, in miniature by reason of distance, 
lies the Racecourse, beyond, the station of Wellington ; 
on the face of the opposite hill, the Wellington -Kotagiri 
road shows like a line drawn on the rugged slope. The 



70 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

road now takes a bend inwards, and it may be noted, in 
passing, that about here the little bush bearing a curious 
little hill fruit, known as the hill guava, is frequently to 
be found. Though rather insipid in its raw state, the 
fruit makes a delicious jelly. Coming out at the 
bungalow of Glencoe, the homeward road takes a sharp 
turn to the right. One is now on the Woodhouselee road, 
and the peak towering above, on the left, is Teneriffe. 

Brooklands Starting from Sim's Park Gates and taking the 
Woodhouselee road, Brooklands road will be found 
branching off to the right below ' Fairhght,' marked by 
a sign -board. This makes a very pleasant walk, but 
cannot be recommended for carriages, as it is a private 
road with right of way to the Brooklands residences and 
rather rough. Cycling is possible. Brooklands road 
connects the Woodhouselee and Tiger Hill roads, 
running through the Brooklands Tea Estate. 

Tiger Hill The round of Tiger Hill is a most picturesque drive 

of about two and a half miles over a good and fairly 
level road commanding some magnificent views. Follow- 
ing the Fernhill road, from below the Church, one comes 
to the Fernwood bridge. Here the road bifurcates, and 
either branch may be taken. Cyclists will do well, 
however, to take the turn to the left, as, after a bit of a 
climb, the remainder of the way is easy going. Care 
should be taken to turn to the right just below the 
Hebron School where an inscribed slab marks the road. 
About half-way round the hill one comes upon Lady 
Hobart's seat, whence a fine view of the Plains is 
commanded. Further on, the Protestant cemetery is 
passed. 

Lamb's Rock Lamb's Rock is perhaps the most favourite place for 
picnic parties near Coonoor and is a spot no one should 
neglect to visit. It is about three and a half miles from 
Coonoor, by a road suited to all kinds of traffic. Taking 
the Fernhill road described above, and turning to the 
right on crossing the Fernwood bridge, one continues 
straight ahead, passing by the Tiger Hill road, which 
turns to the right below Hebron School. At a bend of 



"The resemblance 
is extraordinary 

seen from a 
distance in a sea 

of mists. 
A favourite 
picnic spot 




DOLPHIN'S NOSE 




Within an easy 

walk of 

Coonoor ; a 

popular picnicing 

ground 

commanding an 

extensive view 

of the plains 

and surrounding 

hills 



BY "RICK" TO LAMB'S ROCK 



COONOOR 71 

the road is a fine view of the Droog, and Mettupalaiyam 
lying at the foot of the hills, whence the track of the 
Madras railway may be discerned. Further on, the 
approach to Lamb's Rock may be recognized by a wide 
stretch of turf to the right, which takes the place of the 
jungle hitherto encountered. From this point the 
remainder of the way (about half a mile) has to be per- 
formed on foot. There is a good path leading to the 
rock itself. There are few views which can compare 
with that which bursts upon the sight on gaining the 
rock. A sheer precipice of jagged rock drops down 
several hundred feet to bury itself in the luxuriant jungle 
below. On the right hand yawns the great Hulicul 
ravine, and from its base, five thousand feet below, 
ascends the roar of the Coonoor stream as it rushes 
down over a rocky course. I>eyond rises the Hulicul 
spur, crest upon crest, culminating in the giant head of 
the Droog. Directly below is the path of the Mountain 
Railway, which appears as a model in miniature and is 
marked by the shimmer of twin rails, blotted out here 
and there by small tunnels. In the distance a cluster 
of tiny houses marks the village of Mettupalaiyam, with 
the plains stretching away to the horizon, a kaleidoscope 
of colour painted by the slowly moving clouds suspended 
above them. It is indeed a scene that once witnessed 
for ever imprints itself on the memory. 

Five miles from Coonoor, and further along the same Lady Can 
road as that to Lamb's Rock, is Lady Canning's Seat. " in g's 
On the way an Irish bridge has to be crossed which, 
however, entails no difficulty. The rustic charm of this 
road is perhaps unexcelled anywhere on the Nilgiris, 
and the occasional views encountered are superb- 
Lamb's Rock, the Droog, and Lambton's Peak, are all 
to be seen one- upon another. Lady Canning's Seat 
itself marks the spot where the lady, by whose name it 
is honoured, loved to sit and paint the wonderful scenery 
about her. There is good water obtainable here for 
picnic parties. 

Still further along the same road as that to Lady Dolphin's 

Nose 



72 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Canning's Seat, but a long away below, lies Dolphin's 
Nose, about seven miles from Coonoor. Carriages can 
be driven some way beyond Lady Canning's Seat, but 
the descent to the nose is so steep that no vehicle but a 
rickshaw should attempt it. The nose is a unique rock 
of tremendous proportions (as may be gathered by 
studying the illustration given of it, with the figure of a 
man on top) jutting out of the face of the hillside in the 
formation which its name suggests. The view here is 
extremely grand, and well repays the exertion of getting 
there (and back). Left and right are great ravines : on 
the one side is seen an excellent view of the fine St. 
Catherine's Falls with their stream continuing several 
thousand feet below, while on the other the familiar 
Coonoor stream is seen hurrying on to meet its friend 
from Kotagiri, so that they together may pay their tri- 
bute to the great Bhavani river. 

Teneriffe TenerifFe, or Coonoor Helta as it was formerly known, 

is a peak standing at an elevation of 6,894 feet and is 
the highest point in the Station. It commands a glori- 
ous view, and is a favourite spot for picnics. There 
are two foot-paths leading to the peak. The one is 
approached by the Fernhill and Lord Hobart roads, by 
way of the Fernwood Bridge (see Lamb's Rock), 
and starts from the junction of the Tiger Hill and 
Lamb's Rock roads, passing up the hill directly behind 
the Hebron School. The ascent is steep, rugged and 
winding, and is best made in the early morning before 
the sun is hot. By this route the distance from the 
Church is about two and a half miles. The other path 
branches off from the Woodhouselee road, about three 
quarters of a mile from Sim's Park gale, and is marked 
by a sign-board to the right. This is a longer way, but 
less steep of ascent and shadier. Both paths meet a 
disused Government Forester's hut, a well -sheltered 
and convenient picnic ground, with the Peak, itself, 
situated just above. From the summit a most compre- 
hensive view of Coonoor, with its winding roads, gabled 
roofs, and many beautiful gardens is obtained. Welling- 



Which supplies the 

motive power for the 

Cordite Factory Power 

Station 



Just above the 'Irish* 
Bridge * on the way 
to Lady Canning's 

Seat 




KARTERI WATERFALL 



COONOOR 73 

ton, on the other side of the station, and the terra-cotta 
buildings of the Cordite Factory also stand out promi- 
nently ; while in the sweep of the far distance, Kotagiri, 
Lambton's Peak and the Annamailies, the Droog, and a 
glimpse of the Plains, combine to form a magnificent 
panorama. 

Law's Fall, so named after Lieutenant (afterwards Law's Fall 
Colonel) Law, who traced and mainly constructed the 
new Coonoor ghat, is situated about three miles below 
Coonoor, just above the Wenlock bridge. Of all the 
many picturesque bits that are to be found on the 
Coonoor stream, this is one of the prettiest, and has 
always been a favourite spot for picnics. Cyclists will 
find it a very pleasant run down to the Fall of an early 
morning, and will have time to visit the spot, and then, 
by cycling on to Runny mede railway station (the road 
to which branches to the right a little further down the 
ghat), will be enabled to catch either the morning or 
midday train which will carry them up the hill to 
Coonoor again. 

The Kateri (pronounced Kartary) Fall is one of the Kateri Falls 
highest on the Nilgiris, and a sight that should not be 
missed by visitors, as the view from the Fall is also 
extremely fine. From Coonoor, by way of the Ghat 
and Kateri road the distance by carriage road is about 
nine miles. The Fall has partly been harnessed as the 
motive power of the electric plant of the Cordite Factory. 
'Cyclists are not recommended to take the above-named 
road, as the climbs are long and stiff; but a pleasant ride 
may be had by taking the train to Kaity station, and 
from there, through the Kaity valley, down to the Fall, 
and from thence on to Kateri railway station, whence it 
may be possible to so time the run as to meet the mid- 
day mail train up to Coonoor. 

The Hulicul Droog (more properly spelt Drug, but The Droog 
pronounced Droog) is at once the most interesting picnic 
spot near Coonoor, and at the same time the most 
difficult of access. On account of its prominence and 
massive proportions, it is without doubt the most notable 



74 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

peak on this side of the Nilgiris ; while it is the only 
peak throughout the district to which genuine historic 
interest attaches. From the Coonoor Bridge to the 
summit is about eleven miles, and all but the last two 
miles can be made by carriage or rickshaw, but the 
roads are very steep ; one either has to walk, or ride on 
pony, the last two miles. The whole journey there, 
usually occupies about four hours. The carriage road 
leads through the Non-such Tea Estate, belonging to 
Mr. L. L. Porter, and visitors should obtain permission 
to use the carriage road from the Manager of the 
Estate before making the trip. 

The peak stands at an elevation of 6,000 feet, and 
directly overlooks the Plains, which lie about 5,000 feet 
below it. Mr. Francis, describing the spot, says, ' It is 
named from the neighbouring village of Hulikul, or 
" Tiger's stone," and the story goes that this latter is so 
called because in it a Badaga killed a notorious man- 
eater, which had long been the terror of the countryside. 
The spot where the beast was buried is shown near the 
Pillai yar temple to the squtli of Hulikul village and is 
marked by three stones. Burton says there used for- 
merly to be a stone image of the slain tiger thereabouts. 
The old fort stands on a precipitous site, three sides of 
which fall almost sheer down to the Coonoor ravine on 
the one hand and the Coimbatore plains on the other, 
while the fourth is connected with the rest of the range 
only by a narrow neck the last part of which will not 
admit more than one man at a time. The great natural 
strength of the position has been ingeniously increased 
by the manner in which defences have been built close 
along the edge of the precipices and strengthened by 
projections wherever the possibility of an escalade exist- 
ed, and a high wall, fitted with embrasures and loop- 
holes, has been erected to face the entrance from the 
narrow neck. The fort itself occupies the whole of the 
crest of the bluff, being about 500 yards long and vary- 
ing from 100 to 200 yards in breadth. It is enclosed 
by a rough wall of stone in mud, which for the most 



The Coonoor 
river and its 
tributaries 
abound in 
picturesque 
falls 




COONOOR 75 

part is five feet thick. Besides the main entrance facing 
the neck, there was originally a gateway opposite this 
leading straight clown the steep side of the hill.' 

Burton describing it says : ' The rock upon which 
we tread falls with an almost perpendicular drop of four 
thousand feet into the plains. From this eyrie we 
descry the houses of Coimbatore, the windings of the 
Bhawany, and the straight lines of road stretching like 
ribbons over the glaring yellow surface of the low land. 
A bluish mist clothes the distant hills of Malabar, dimly 
seen upon the horizon in front. Behind, on the far side of 
the mighty chasm, the white bungalows of Coonoor glitter 
through the green trees, or disappear behind the veil of 
fleecy vapour which floats along the sunny mountain 
tops. However hypercritically disposed, you can find no 
fault with this view ; it has beauty, variety, and sublimity 
to recommend it. ' 

NOTE. For information as to Hotels, Shops, Livery 
Stables, Market, Servants, etc., see Addenda, at the 
end of the Guide ' General Information for Visitors.' 



KOTAGIRI 

Early History Position and Climate. Institutions : 

The Basel Mission^Christ Church-^The Kotagiri 

Club The Kotagiri Golf Club. 

Early KOTACUKI is the oldest and the third largest of the hill 

8 ory stations, eincl while it is much smaller than either Oota- 

camund or Coonoor, has recently become a popular resort. 
Literally translated Kotagiri (or Kotar Keri) means 
Kotar line or street. It does not, as many suppose, 
mean Kota hill, as the second half of the word might 
lead one to infer. 

Position As a sanitarium the position of Kotagin is ideal, as it 

and Climate ] s hjh er than Coonoor and lower than Ooty, the climate 
being more bracing than the former and not so severe as 
the latter. It stands at an elevation of 6,51 1 feet. The 
station is situated on the north-eastern crest of the plateau, 
overlooking the plains. Like Coonoor, it is protected 
from the north-east monsoon. There is a splendid 
carriage road winding through the hills from Coonoor, 
easily negotiable by bicycle either way. Distance thirteen 
miles. It is eighteen miles direct from Ooty by road, but, 
as will be seen in Motor-runs, this run should not be 
attempted by motor-cars, though for bicycles from Ooty 
it affords a nice spin down. 

Notable A number of the old residences of Kotagiri some of 

which have now been standing for nearly a century are 
most interesting. ' dive's House,' now known as ' The- 
Avenue,' is the oldest of these. It was built about 1822 
by Mr. R. H. Clive, then Sub-Collector of Coimbatore* 
The beautiful residence known as Kota Hall is the next 
oldest, and was also built by a Collector of Coimbatore, 
Mr. James Thomas, about the year 1830. 






Near Kotaghi One of 
those extraordinary volcanic 

excrescences occasionally 
encountered. It is said to 
be inaccessible* but is not ! 






Rungaswamy's Pillar 



The whereabouts of these 

falls is known only to the 

photographer himself. 

They are beautiful but 

not famous, and are 

representative of many 

of the falls on the Nilgiris 




Falls of Darkness 



KOTAGIRI 77 

INSTITUTIONS 

CHRIST CHURCH is the name given to the little 
Church that was begun by General Gibson, of Kota 
Hall, in 1851. Upon the General's death in that same 
year, his son-in-law, Major Briggs, completed the work 
with the funds left by General Gibson for the purpose. 
In 1864 Major Briggs made over the Church to Govern- 
ment on the condition that it should never be conse- 
crated, so that clergymen of all denominations might 
hold services in it. 

THE KOTAGIRI CLUB was started about twelve years 
ago in a very small way by the residents of the place ; it 
then consisted of only a single reading-room. Since 
then the whole place has been considerably enlarged ; the 
reading-room has developed into a small library. A 
billiard room has been added. There are three tennis 
and two badminton courts in connexion with the Club. 
At present the Club numbers some fifty permanent mem- 
bers, and there are a number of temporary members 
during the Season. 

There are three classes of members : permanent, 
honorary and temporary. Gentlemen received in general 
society are eligible for election as permanent members. 
Entrance fee, single members, Rs. 30 ; Family members, 
Rs. 60; monthly subscriptions : single member, Rs. 2-8-0; 
Family of not more than three, Rs. 4 ; additional Family, 
each member, Re. 1 ; outside five mile radius single 
or family members, Re. 1 ; outside Nilgiri District, 
As. 8. 

Honorary Members are included in an official list. 

Temporary Members (elected by Committee) monthly 
subscription : single members, Rs. 8 ; Family of not 
more than three, Rs. 12 ; additional Family member, 
Rs. 2 each. 

OFFICERS : 

President. H. M. Hewett, Esq. 
Hon. Secretary. F. M. Cockburn, Esq. 



78 NILG1KI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

THE KOTAGIRI GOLF CLUB possesses one of the 
prettiest little links on the Nilgiris. There is a nine-hole 
course over forty acres of land which has been secured for 
the purpose by a few interested residents. The course 
was laid out by that keen golfer, Surgeon-General 
Benson, I. M.S., and it is situated about a mile and a half 
from the Kotagiri bazaar on the Coonoor- Kotagiri road. 

PLACES OF INTEREST 

Rangaswami's Pillar St. Catherine's Falls Elk 
Fall Kodanad. 

RANGASWAMI'S PILLAR, which Mr. Francis describes 
as ' an extraordinary isolated rock pillar, which rises in 
solitary grandeur some 400 feet and has sheer sides 
which must be unclimbable,' is about eleven miles from 
Kotagiri, of which nine miles may be accomplished by 
rickshaw. As a freak of Nature it is well worth seeing. 

ST. CATHERINE'S FALLS consist of an upper and a 
lower fall. The upper fall takes a leap of 250 feet, and 
is the second highest on the Nilgiris. The falls are four 
miles distant from Kotagiri, and most of the way can be 
made in rickshaw. From Kotagiri, the old ghat is 
followed to its junction with the new ghat at the third 
milestone, and the road here turns off to the right. From 
above the falls, a magnificent view of Dolphin's Nose 
and the surrounding country is obtained. 

ELK FALL is the name given to a pretty little fall 
about five miles from Kotagiri. On account of the lack 
of shade trees en route it is wise to start as early as 
possible, as there is a certain amount of the distance 
which must be walked, the road not being good enough 
for rickshaws when nearing the glen. The visitor should 
proceed along the road leading past the Basel Mission 
House and away past the Badaga village of Dimhutty. 
Having left this village and proceeding about two miles, 
the visitor will come to a parting of the ways, and as 
there is no finger-post he will perhaps be perplexed. 



KOTAGIRI 79 

The path to the left should be taken and this leads down 
the glen for a distance of about two,, miles to the fall. 
The rocky grandeur of the spot and the thick growth of 
trees around the fall are a very striking contrast to the 
stunted growth through which the visitor has come. 

KoDANAD is a little village ten or eleven miles to the 
east of Kotagiri by good carriage road. The trip to this 
place is a favourite one with visitors to Kotagiri, as from 
here some of the finest views on the plateau are to be 
had. The drive by ' rick ' round the sides of the moun- 
tain on the ghat road is one of entrancing beauty and 
cannot be adequately described. On nearing Kodanad 
the scene changes and one passes through the well-kept 
tea plantation of Kodanad. Round about the bungalow 
the shola is very fine and the paths through the woods 
have a semblance of scenery in the Homeland, which 
is very delightful. A short distance through the woods, 
and one reaches another side of the tea plantation, and 
here also is the tea factory. On the ridge near the Tea 
House is a view which is one of the finest on the hills. 
Like a relief map the country lies spread out before the 
eye in all its beauty of hill and dale. The huge valley 
dips down from one's feet to the level of the plains and 
rises again on its opposite side to the level of* the Mysore 
plateau. The fertile country of Mysore lies immediately 
in front of the visitor as far as the eye can reach, whilst 
away to the right the vaffey can be seen to join the 
plains of the Coimbatore District. 

NOTE. For information as to Hotels, Shops, Livery 
Stables, Market, Servants, etc., see Addenda, at the 
end of the Guide ' General Information forVisitors.' 



LESSER STATIONS AND DAK 
BUNGALOWS 

Wellington Aruvankadu-^Keti -Kulakambai Lovedale, 

Wellington, situated at an elevation of 6,100 feet 
above sea level, forms the military ' sanitarium for 
Southern India, The site was selected and building 
operations for barracks begun in 1852. The place was 
first known as Jackatalla, but was afterwards named 
Wellington in honour of the Iron Duke who took an 
interest in the establishment of such a sanitarium on the 
Nilgiris. The centre of the cantonment of Wellington 
may be said to be at the Fountain, which stands at the 
junction of the Coonoor, Ootacamund and Kotagiri 
roads. The main barracks consist of six blocks of 
double-storied masonry buildings with large open veran- 
dahs enclosing a large square. Two churches have been 
built for the convenience of troops. The Anglican 
Church of St. George was built in 1886 from designs by 
Major Morant, R.E., and is a very handsome edifice with 
tower and steeple. The Roman Catholic Church, which 
was also built from designs by Major Morant, was erect- 
ed in 1888. Nonconformist services are held under the 
direction of the Wesleyan Mission in the Schoolroom at 
the Barracks. The Wellington Gymkhana, which has 
been referred to under the heading of Coonoor affords a 
good field for football, cricket, and hockey matches 
between regimental teams. 

Aruvankadu. The origin and evolution of the extra- 
ordinary and altogether unpronounceable name of 
Aruvankadu is a matter for conjecture. Mr. Francis, in 
his Gazetteer of the Nilgiri District, spells it Aravankad, 
pronounces it Arvenghat, and evidently attributes its 
origin either to a conjunction of Indian words meaning 




03 

1 

a 



LESSKR STATIONS AND DAK BUNGALOWS 81 

the jungle of hariali (doob) grass,' or at a transition of 
English names from ' Glen Owen ' on to * Glen Arven ' 
and, so, to ' Arvan Ghaut.' 

Kulakambai is a little hamlet of Melur. It is 
chiefly remarkable for the falls in the vicinity, which 
are 400 feet in depth, and are the highest in the 
district. 

Lovedale, the next railway station on the way np to 
Ooty after Keti, is situated in one of the most beautiful 
parts of the Nilgiris, and, with its tiny lake, rustic 
scenery and charming surroundings, well merits its 
name. There are a few residences here, but the place 
is chiefly remarkable for the Lawrence Memorial School 
which, with its buildings and grounds, covers an area of 
over 730 acres. 



Main 
Roads 



Bridlt 
Paths and 
1 Short-cuts 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY 
OF ROUTES 

Part I. MAIN APPROACHES 

Main Roads Bridle Paths and ' Short-cuts* Pioneer 

Passes Old Kotagiri Ghat New Kotagiri GhatOld 

Coonoor GhatNew Coonoor Ghat Sigur Ghat Sispara 

Ghat Gudalur Ghat. 

IN a mountainous tract, the value of wide, good, and 
well-graded roads cannot be over-estimated. In the 
possession of these, the Nilgiris not only excel, but are 
beyond comparison with other hill stations in India. 
Ghat-roads, or ghats, as they are more familiarly termed, 
approach and give access to the main plateau from 
various surrounding points. They are usually steep 
but the principal of them, as may be seen below, are 
of a grade which will allow a motor-car of ordinary gear 
to climb them ; while a cyclist might coast down them 
with perfect ease and security. On the plateau itself, 
the roads are usually undulating, and, in parts, hilly; 
but for the most part the grades can easily be negoti- 
ated by a bicycle, both up-hill and down. All carriage 
roads on the plateau, as well as the principal ghats, are 
well laid, macadamized, even, and wide enough to ensure 
safe and pleasant driving, whether by motor-car or 
carriage. They are kept in a good state of repair. 

Intersecting the regular carriage roads, are numerous 
bridle-paths. They are usually the ' bandy ' roads of 
early days, when directness and shortness of way was 
more considered than steepness. Their former use has 
disappeared with the making of the more modern roads, 
which wind about them in great curves. Besides these, 
there are many lesser t short-cuts ' which the ingenuity 
of the native has usually discovered. All are a great 




THE MAIN GHAT-ROAD 



The splendid condition of the Main Roads of the Nilgiris is one of the 
principal features of the District, and is of especial importance to motorists and 
cyclists. The scenery is grand everywhere. The above photograph w.is taken 
below the Ooty Toll-bar. 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 83 

convenience to the pedestrian, peripatetic cyclist, or 
horseman, who by their means can arrive at the objective 
point almost as soon as a carriage taking a more 
circuitous route. 

The first accent of the hills was made nearly a Pioneer 
century ago, in the year 1819. This was accomplished * >asses 
by means of a rude native track which led to the village 
of Dimhatti a little above Kotagiri,from a village near 
the junction of the Moyar and Bhavani rivers, a distance 
of sixteen and a quarter miles. Here Mr. Sullivan, who 
was then Collector of the Coimbatore and Nilgiri 
Districts and whose name figures prominently among 
the path-finders of the time, erected the first Kuropean 
bungalow built on the hills. Another track, known as 
the Sundapatti Pass, because of the village of that name 
on the Bhavani to which it led by way of the Kundah 
river ravine, was also used about this time. These 
passes possess no other than historic interest, as they 
are now altogether abandoned. 

The first bridle path to be made to the hills was old 

constructed by the Pioneers, who to this dav have been Kotagiri 

. ~ , . ,. . , " Ghat 

prominent in the making of roads, at the instance of the 

same Mr. Sullivan. The path leads from Sirumugai, 
near Mettupalaiyam to Dimhatti ; a distance of sixteen 
and a quarter miles. Its construction began in 181 9, and 
was completed in 1 8^3. From its steepness it was 
unfit for wheeled traffic, travellers making the journey, 
as was the custom for a long time to come, on horseback, 
or in palanquin. From Dimhatti to Ootacamund lay a 
track eleven miles in length, making a distance of twenty- 
seven miles in all from the foot of the Ghat. Until 
the opening of the Coonoor Ghat, this formed the 
chief route of travel to Ooty from the south of the 
plateau. 

The new Kotagiri Ghat, in course of construction New 
from 1872 to 1875, by Major Morant, R.E., is a great Kotagiri 
improvement over the old line of approach, being of an 
easy gradient, 1 in 17 feet, 17 feet wide and metalled 
throughout. Ascending a low spur of hills which stretch 



84 



NILGIRI (H)IDE AND DIRECTORY 



Old 

Coonoor 

(ihat 



The New 
Coonoor 
Ghat 



towards Mettupalaiyam, it follows the south side of the 
Erkad river gorge, arriving at Kotagiri in twenty-one 
miles. It is little used by visitors to Kotagiri now that 
the railway has come to Coonoor, as from that station 
to Kotagiri a fairly level and excellent carriage road 
of twelve miles leads. A very fine bicycle run clown 
the ghats is afforded in this way ; one being able 
to break the journey pleasantly at the w r ell -appointed 
Blue Mountain Hotel at Kotagiri, but, on account 
of its many sharp zig-zags, this ghat is unsuited to 
motors. 

In 1829, under the administration of Mr. S. R. 
Lushington, then Governor, the first ghat to Coonoor 
was begun. It also was constructed by the Pioneers. 
Starting from Mettupalaiyam it runs due west along the 
level to the village of Kallar, crossing the Bhavani and 
Kallar rivers. Until 1 <S40, when a bridge was built, the 
Bhavani had to be crossed in basket boats. From 
Kallar the ascent begins. The road follows the northern 
gorges of the Karteri and Coonoor rivers, the distance 
from the foot to the head of the pass at the Coonoor 
bridge being about eleven miles. The gradient is very 
steep, about one in twelve, and towards the top as much 
as one in five. It is still, however, the much -traversed 
way of all sorts and conditions of natives, and early in 
the week hundreds of coolies and vendors with their 
pack-bullocks and ' tats, ' on the way to market, 
may be met at all times of day and night climbing 
up it. 

The completion of this road in 1871 marks a very 
important epoch in the development of the hills as a 
holiday resort for visitors. It was the first true carriage 
road up the ghats. The tedious days of the palanquin 
were now a thing of the past ; speedy tongas, with relays 
of ponies every third mile, bore the traveller to his de- 
stination at Coonoor or Ootacamund. Heavy baggage 
was easily brought up by country cart. As a result this 
became the chief means of access to the hills, as it con- 
tinued to be until the opening of the railway in 1899. 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 85 

It is still the chief route for all market supplies, and is 
kept in first-class order and repair. 

The new Coonoor Ghat was constructed by Lieute- 
nant (afterwards Colonel,) Law. It is eighteen feet 
wide; has a gradient of one in eighteen; and is, like all 
principal roads, macadamized. It has several timber 
culverts and four iron girder bridges, one, built in recent 
years, crossing the lower part of the Coonoor river, 
founded and named after the Governor, Lord \Venlock. 
A little above this bridge is a pretty waterfall called, 
after its discoverer, the builder of the road, Law's Fall. 

The Sigur (or, more phonetically, the Seegor) GhatSigur 
was at one time the favourite approach for visitors from 
the northern parts of the Presidency and was the first 
road constructed for wheeled traffic It was built by the 
Sappers and Miners from 1836 to 1838. Starting from 
Sigur, at the foot, it bridges the Moyar and ascends to 
the village of Talukunda at tine northern crest of the 
plateau a distance of e-ight and a quarter miles. Thence 
a road continues to Ooty, five miles. Half-way up is 
the village of Kalhutty, with its picturesque waterfall 
not far below. A fine account of this section by Mr. 
George Oakes will be found in the Ootacamund Section. 

This ghat, constructed between the years 1832 andSispara 
1838, has outlived its first usefulness, which provided a** hat 
short line for tappal (post) runners from the interior to 
the West Coast. The route which leads to the head of 
the pass at Sispara Rock fa crest of the Kundahs 6,742 
feet above sea level, whence one of the grandest views 
of the plateau is seen) is still of great convenience to 
sportsmen who shoot over the Kundahs. 

Access to the western side of the plateau is gained (iudalur 
by means of the Gudalur Ghat. Like the approaches 
to Coonoor and Kotagiri, there are here an old and a 
new ghat road. The old Gudalur Ghat was begun in 
1823. The gradient, one in four, is so steep that it was 
never of much real use, and upon the opening of the new 
Gudalur Ghat was altogether abandoned, except for foot 
traffic. 



86 



NILGIKI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



The Nilgiri 
Branch, 
S. I. Motor 
Union 



Part II. MOTOR RUNS 

The Nilgiri Branch of the South Indian Motor Union 
General Remarks Route No. 1 : Bangalore, Mysore 
City, Ootacamund. Route No. la: Mysore City, 
Ootacamund, via Sigur Ghat. Route No. 2 : Ootaca- 
mund, Coonoor.- Route No. 3 : Ooty, Karteri, Coo- 
noor, Ooty.- Route No. 4: Ooty, Kotagiri, Kodanad. 
Route No. 5 : Coonoor, Kotagiri. 

Early in 1904, a number of gentlemen, realizing that 
motor traffic would gradually become important in the 
hills, formed a ' Nilgiri Automobile Association,' since 
there was no organized body of motorists then existing 
in the Madras Presidency. The members of this As- 
sociation were as follows : 
Col. Babin^ton, c.i j 

K A 

Captain Sturrock, K.A 
Captain Tyrrell, K.A. 
Dr. N. T. Sheldon 

The object of the Association had in view was to 
educate public opinion, to encourage motor traffic, and 
to assist municipalities, etc., in drafting any necessary 
local regulations. 

When the South Indict Motor Association was 
formed, the Nilgiri Association became a local branch of 
it, with local secretary, Captain Sturrock, K.A. This 
branch, under the sanction and protection of the various 
municipalities and the District Board, erected ' caution ' 
posts at the great majority of the bend corners in the 
Nilgiris. 

The first motor meet was held in March, 1905; six 
cars attending. In 1906 trials of cars for ' suitability for 
planters' use ' were held. The run consisted of about 
sixty-seven miles over side-roads of fair average quality, 
avoiding the main ghat road as far as possible. Fourteen 
cars entered, but only eight started. These trials are 



W. Kb odes James, 


J. H Hull, Esq 


Esq. 




Captain Toogoocl 


C. E. Sykes, Esq. 


C. Mullalv, Esq 


H. Eawton, Esq 


N. Stewart Brown, 


Captain Fyke 


Esq. 






Above is 
shown the 

crest of 

Aqueduct 

Hill, below 

the road 
skirting Burn- 
foot Lake 



THE OOTY ROAD 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 87 

probably unique in respect to the elevation at which they 
were held ; the highest point attained was 8,040 feet and 
the lowest 4,950 feet above mean sea level. Colonel 
Babington, with a 7 H.P. Swift, won the trials, losing 
no marks. 

In 1907 et hill climb was held, and won by Messrs, 
A. H. Hull and J. Jones with a 9 H.P. Sirpollet (steam). 
This test was rendered the more severe by the interfe- 
rence of rainy weather. 

From the visitors' point of view, a car is invaluable in General 
the Nilgiris, as it is not only useful for hack purposes, emar * is 
but it enables owners to see the Nilgiris in a way that is 
impossible for the ordinary visitor. The roads, generally, 
are good, but winding, with numerous blind corners. 
Cautious driving is required, chiefly on account of the 
absolute neglect of ' the rule of the road,' and also be- 
cause the slope of some of the corners is very bad. 
There is a considerable amount of traffic about, but very 
irregular in distribution. Cattle and pack-horses block 
the road occasionally, and in rare cases flocks of sheep 
are met with. Buffaloes occasionally give trouble 
instances having occurred of their attempting to charge 
cars. Toll-bars are many : the charge being 2, annas 
per wheel. 

ROUTE No. 1 

Bangalore Mysore City Ootacatnund (Bangalore 

Mysore City Tippakadu Gudalur Paikara). 

Distance : 185 miles. 

This is the best means of approach from the Mysore 
State, and makes a very fine run from Bangalore. 
There are no serious difficulties in the way, and many 
advantages. Water is obtainable at frequent intervals. 
Should a breakdown occur, Travellers' Bungalows are 
to be found every ten miles along the route ; these are 
easily recognizable from their terra-cotta washed walls, 
and general similarity of design. Motorists should 
carefully note that supplies can only be obtained at 



88 NILGIKI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Bangalore, Mysore City and (seventeen miles further 
on) Nan jangucl, until Ootacamund is reached. Following 
is the itinerary of route :-- - 

Leaving Bangalore by way of the City Station, an 
eighty -seven mile run, by way of Channapatna, Maddur, 
and Seringapatam, takes one to Mysore City. A halt 
at Seringapatam, eight miles before arriving at Mysore, 
in order to inspect the interesting historical objects that 
are to be seen in it, is well worth while. There is plenty 
of water along the road, there being tanks every few 
miles, and the road is invariably in a good state of repair. 

Leaving Mysore City, the road to the Nilgiris passes 
over the bund of a tank, towards the end of which the 
road bears to the right. After travelling a short distance 
along this road, a signboard indicates the route. A 
sharp look-out must be kept for this board, as it is diffi- 
cult to pick up when making any speed. The road at 
this point swings sharp to the right, and crosses the 
Mysore State Railway at Nanjangud Station. From 
here the road is straight going to Gundalpet, when it 
bears away a little to the left ; but there is no difficulty 
in recognizing the main road, because of the huge mile- 
stones which can be easily seen from one to the next. 
The road now crosses the Banclipur ghats, where the 
going is stiff, and the roads on the out-skirts of the 
Mysore State are sometimes rough ; but the latest- 
reports of motorists is that the roads are now in a very 
good condition, and a guarantee in this direction is the 
fact that H. H. The Maharajah of Mysore motors ta 
Ootacamund by this route. 

Leaving Bandipur, there is a run of eleven miles to 
Tippakadu toll-bar, and great care must be taken to 
strike the road for Gudalur a right-hand swing. There 
is a sign- post at Tippakadu which reads : ' Ootacamund* 
twenty-two miles.' This route will be found described 
below as Route No. la. 

After Tippakadu, one enters upon the outer fringe of 
the Nilgiris, and the fact that one is upon British 
territory is quickly noted by the splendid condition of 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 8.9 

the road. The thirteen mile run from Tippakadu to 
Gudalur is through magnificent forest scenery. A good 
landmark to note is the telegraph line which runs along- 
side the road from Tippakadu, on to Gudalur, and clear 
on to Ooty. At the end of the Tippakadu-Gudalur road 
is a toll-bar, and a half-mile further on is the Gudalur 
Ghat. 

From Gudalur the serious climbing begins. The first 
five miles is particularly stiff, and there are one or two 
difficult corners to negotiate the road describing loop 
upon loop up the mountain side, so that, in spite of the 
distance travelled, Gudalur remains close below. A halt 
between the fifth and sixth milestones is well worthwhile, 
for a magnificent panorama lies behind. From here the 
road runs along on a shelf of the hill, and gives a 
splendid view of the near forests, with the ghat in the 
background. 

Arriving at Neduvattam, seven miles from Gudalur, 
the head of the Gudalur Ghat is readied, and the 
ghat climb is at an end. About three miles further 
on a view is to be obtained which should not 
be missed. By climbing the bank of a cutting 
between the ninth and tenth milestones from Gudalur, 
and looking backwards in the Gudalur direction, one 
witnesses a picture that for diversity and grandeur of 
landscape may be said to beggar description. The white 
roads winding through the forests at one's feet appear 
like a ribbon laid over a huge green cloth ; beneath, the 
Mysore plateau is spread out as a coloured map, its vast 
area stretching away beyond, until it meets the horizon. 
Facing around, in the direction in which the car is 
heading, the scene changes from steep mountain side 
and distant plain, to the undulating sweep of the turf- 
covered downs. 

From this point, the remaining twenty miles to 
Ootacamund are easily travelled over the rolling country 
of the ' Downs.' This portion of the journey is most 
enchanting, The air is cool and exhilarating ; the road 
good and easy going ; while all around stretches a 



90 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

billowy sea of smooth green turf, dotted here and there 
with scarlet flowering rhododendron trees, or with 
patches of picturesque shola. Ootacamund is entered 
by way of the railway station, and along through the 
native bazaar, and so the run of 185 miles in all is 
completed. 

ROUTE No. \a. 
Mysore City to Ootacamund via Segur Ghat 

(This route is not to be recommended to motorists, 
though a few cars have come up, notably the fine Fint 
and Bianca cars belonging to H. H. the Gaekwar of 
Baroda, and a White Steam car belonging to II. H. the 
Maharajah of Mysore. The gradients are bad, drains 
cross the road, and the absence of any walls on the outer 
edge of the road makes it anything but a desirable one 
for motors. The Gudalur ghat, though longer, is much 
the better and safer road). 

Route same as above as far as Tippakadu. From 
this point the roads to Gudalur and Ootacamund diverge. 
If the motorist decides on taking the Gudalur Ghat road 
he does not cross the large bridge but continues direct. 
If he decides on the shorter route, which is very steep 
and has bad corners for long cars, he will swing to his 
left over the bridge and arrive at the village of Musua- 
gudi, a wretched malaria-stricken village, four miles 
from Tippakadu and twenty from Ootacamund. 

Here is a small Travellers' Bungalow, Police Station, 
and Post Office. No provisions are to be had. The 
bold cliffs of the Nilgiris, with gorges running down, are 
seen to advantage on the right, but there is an absence of 
wood and forest, owing to the very small rainfall on this 
side of the hills. The road from Musnagudi runs 
through undulating scrub jungle to the foot of the 
Seegor Ghat, eight miles. The Seegor river is crossed 
by an iron girder bridge and the ascent of the ghat 
commences. 

Four miles from the bridge is the Travellers' Bunga- 
low, cool and comfortable, and a grand view of the 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 91 

Kulhutti Falls is to be had. Two miles further, one 
comes to the toll-bar (8 annas), and then passing the 
Basel Mission House and Downham Farm one arrives 
at the ghat head five and a half miles from Ootacamund. 
The run into Ooty can be made by either the Connemara 
road (left) or the Seegor road running down the hill to 
Cold-stream bridge and so straight into Ootacamund. 

ROUTE No. 2 
Ootacamund Coonoor. Distance: Eleven Miles 

This is a most ideal run, either for motor-car or 
ordinary bicycle. Leaving Charing Cross the road runs 
south, and straight ahead. A long climb brings one to the 
summit of Aqueduct Hill and then dips clown again 
skirting the little Burn foot Lake. A sharp rise brings 
one to a crest just above the Craigmore toll-bar and from 
this point there is a continuous down grade for the 
remaining nine miles. The view of the Keti valley, 
stretching away at one's feet, and row upon row of hills 
beyond is charming. The road slips down past the old 
half-way house and the Yellanhulli Brewery. Until 
the Cordite Factory gates are reached the gradient is 
gentle, and allows one to enjoy the spin in comfort. A 
very steep hill now descends to Waterloo Bridge 
(Wellington Black Bridge) and great caution should here 
be exercised. 

At Wellington Bridge, a triangular grass plot marks a 
parting of ways : 

(l) Those bound for Coonoor Railway Station or 
the Town proper do not tir arid pass over the bridge, 
but continue straight ahecvi, passing through Wellington 
bazaar, on past the Coonoor Railway Station, and so to 
the Coonoor Bridge. From this point alternate roads 
may be taken to reach the upper portion of the station. 
The main road swerves to the left, passes through the 
bazaar, and in climbing a Jong stiff hill describes an 
awkward hair-pin turn. Therefore, motorists should take 
* Barlows Road,' which runs straight on from the bridge 



92 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

to the Figure of Eight Road above, and which may be 
recognized from a sign-post bearing the name. 

Through Wellington 

(2) Those bound for Wellington, Kotagiri, Welling- 
ton Gymkhana and Race-course, the Coonoor Club, 
Hill Grove Hotel, or tlie European residential quarter 
of Coonoor pass over the Wellington Bridge. The road 
now bifurcates, left and right, (a) The branch to the 
left should be followed by motorists. It leads to a 
corner of the main barracks where a sign -post, ' Coonoor/ 
indicates the way as it wheels to the right and passes the 
main entrance of the barracks. Continuing, Wellington 
Fountain is reached, and here a number of roads meet. 
At a right angle directly to the left the main road to 
Kotagiri runs, and may be verified by a milestone, 
Kotagiri eleven miles.' Straight ahead, and turning 
sharply to the right, is the road to Coonoor, indicated by a 
s-ign-post. On the right of the road we have been travell- 
ing, two roads meet. The further road leads to the Com- 
missariat depot, and should be disregarded. The nearer 
road (on the right) should be taken by motorists for the 
Gymkhana or Coonoor. It runs past the Nilgiri Hotel, 
shortly meeting three other roads, thus forming a cross. 
The northern arm of this cross, inclining to the left, and 
running down hill is now taken. (Do not confuse with 
two branch roads to the left running up hill.) The road 
now runs down to the Wellington Gymkhana, where we 
shall pick it up again after describing an alternate route 
from Wellington Bridge. 

(/;) From Wellington Bridge, the branch to the 
right should be taken by carriages and cyclists. Passing 
by the cemetery it leads to Wellington Lake, the lower 
portion of which it skirts by means of a bund, and then 
turns sharp to the left negotiating a steep hill in two 
hair-pin corners. (Cyclists should take the rough short- 
cut.) On the crest of this hill the road meets with three 
others. That directly to the left leads to Wellington 
Fountain, and should be taken only by those wishing to 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 93 

proceed to Kotagiri. The road to the Gymkhana and 
Coonoor lies straight ahead inclining to the right down 
hill. (Do not confuse with two branch roads to the left 
running up hill.} 

After skirting the race-course a stone bridge is crossed, 
and cyclists should take advantage of a short-cut which 
cannot be mistaken on the left just after crossing this 
bridge. Caddies are always to be h id to wheel one's 
machine up this short but steep path winch keeps cross- 
ing the Zig-zag Road, and finally comes out on the 
Figure of Eight Road, just below the Coonoor Club. 
Motorists, after crossing the bridge, drive straight ahead, 
keeping the main road and not turning to the left 
and taking the Zig-zag Road, which is very difficult 
of negotiation and is closed to motor traffic. (The 
road brings them out almost at the entrance to the 
Coonoor Club.) 

ROUTE No. 3 

Ooty Burn foot Lovedale Devashola Nunjaikambai 
Kolakumbai- Karteri to Runnymede Corner; return- 
ing via Coonoor and the Main Ghat Road. Distance : 
about forty miles. 

This is a very fine run, indeed, and may be made 
equally well from Ooty or Coonoor. For the purpose of 
this description Ootacamund shall be considered as head- 
quarters. 

Proceeding from Ooty, two and a quarter miles along 
the Coonoor Ghat- road, one turns to the right at the Craig- 
more toll-bar, and runs gently down to Lovedale, where 
one crosses the railway and climbs the shoulder of Chinna 
Doddabetta, past the Lawrence Memorial School. From 
this point the road skirts along the slopes of the hill over- 
looking the Keti valley, till it reaches a saddle running 
to Devashola. From here the road runs along the 
saddle ; sometimes on one, sometimes on the other side of 
the hill. 



94 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

The views from the Devashola saddle are extremely 
line and far-reaching. On the left, one looks over the 
Keti and Karteri valleys with Teneriffe, the Hulicul 
Droog, Kolabettah, and Kolakumbai Hill in the back- 
ground ; while, beyond, can be seen glimpses of the 
plains, Lambton's Peak, and, in the far distance, the 
Animalai Hills. On the right is the country of the 
Downs, with the Kundahs, in the distance. This view 
covers from Cairn Hill, near Ooty, to Gudalur Malai, 
Makurti Peak, the top of the Sispara Ghat, the 
Avalanche valley, and the Kundahs. Together, the two 
views may be considered the most comprehensive of 
those of the Plateau. 

To continue : At the end of the saddle, just before the 
seventh milestone, a private road runs straight on ; but 
the road, proper, bends sharp to the left, and gradually 
runs down, skirting the outer slopes of Devashola Betta* 
Near the foot of the hill, the road enters forest a run 
down-hill till about the ninth milestone. About half & 
mile beyond this milestone a road turns off to the left ; 
running at first almost straight back : this leads to 
Karteri, and is not in good order. Passing this road, the 
road rises again to Kundah Corner, where a very difficult 
hair-pin corner has to be negotiated. (A road to Kundah 
Bridge runs straight on, but unless time is no object, the 
scenery scarcely repays the trouble of the run.) Having 
negotiated the hair-pin corner, the road runs down-hill 
very stiffly for about two miles, in which there are 
numerous surface drains, to Mugyai Kunbai village. 
This saddle is fairly often a play-ground for children, 
and has, therefore, to be approached with caution. Then 
a small hill, another short descent across a wooded 
saddle ; on up a long ascent running to a very fine old 
shola ; past a private road to the Terramia Estate on 
the left, and at the top of the hill, the road crosses the 
ridge, and overlooks the Kundah Valley. 

On fine days, one of the very finest views on the 
Nilgiris is obtained at this point. Across the narrow 
gorge rise the Kundahs ; while down the gorge is seen 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 95 

the magnificent Bhavani valley, with seemingly endless 
rows of hills beyond. 

A short distance further, the road crosses into the 
Melur valley, and a private road to the Melur Estate 
turns off to the right. From here the road runs down 
to Upper Taimalai, at which estate it runs off somewhat 
sharply to the left. Thence, the road runs just below 
the crests of the hill overlooking the Bhavani, and one 
gets, through the trees, glimpses of the plains, the 
Coimbatore Hills, and the outer slopes of the Hulicul 
Droog. 

About a mile from Kolakumbai, the road slips back 
behind the Kolakumbai Hill, and runs down a fairly 
steep slope to Kolakumbai village. This part of the 
road has often a bad surface. At Kolakumbai village, 
a sharp turn to the left is made ; lea\ ing the Manaar 
bridle-path on the right. The road from here is fully 
metalled. It slips down to the Kolakumbai valley, 
crossing one branch of the Kolakumbai river at the 
foot ; then, after nearly two miles of fairly level running, 
the other branch of the river is crossed at Hodgson's 
Ford, nowadays by a fine bridge. A steady, and in some 
places, severe climb is now encountered until Karten is 
reached. 

Having arrived at Karteri a choice of two home-routes 
is offered. (1) By running straight on along the Karteri - 
Runny mede road, connexion is made with the main 
Coonoor Ghat just below that station, and so, home. 
(2) By turning back to the left for about half a mile, 
and back again to the right just below the Cordite 
Factory Power House Staff Quarters by the Yellanhulli 
road. This climbs the western side of the Karteri 
gorge. From just above the Quarters a splendid view 
of the Karteri Falls with the almost vertical 24-inch 
feed-pipe from the dam above, about 650 feet in length,, 
running alongside, is obtained. At the top of the gorge, 
the road skirts the Cordite Factory lake ; winds up the 
Keti valley to Yellanhulli, and joins the main ghat-road 
to Ooty. 



96 NILG1RI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

ROUTE No. 4 
Ooty Kotagiri Kodanad 

n . . OA ., ( 0oty Kotagiri, 18 miles. 
Distance: 24 miles |Ko tagiri~Kodanad, 6 miles. 

Route A. ( Traversa blc by small cars only). This 
is a very picturesque run, but, from the narrowness of 
the road, only small cars should attempt it. Leaving 
Ooty by the Coonoor road, one crosses the Stone House 
B ridge, and ascends the Dodabetta-Snowden saddle via 
Stone House Hill. The road is very steep at the 
beginning. At the crest of the hill, a fine view of Ooty 
is obtained, looking down the valley. From the saddle 
the road bears off to the right, running through virgin 
sholas along the north slopes of Dodabetta. It then 
crosses into the top of Wellington valley for a short 
distance, giving a fine view of Coonoor and Wellington, 
with Wellington and Hulicul in the background. The 
road then crosses to the north side of the Kundabnungai 
ridge, winding along the scarp till it reaches the Welling- 
ton- Kotagiri road about twelve miles from Ooty. 

Route B. (For all cars). An easier road, and the 
only one possible for large cars, is by way of the 
Coonoor Ghat and Wellington Black Bridge. This 
bridge is situated at the foot of the long steep hill which 
descends from the Cordite Factory gates and is easily 
recognizable on the left. Crossing it one has the choice 
of two ways: (1) By keeping straight on, and skirting 
the north of Wellington Church Hill, one passes the 
Wellington Hospital and main barracks, and so on to 
the Wellington Fountain. (2) By turning to the right 
after crossing the bridge, one passes the Wellington 
Cemetery and reaches the Wellington Lake. After 
skirting this the road turns sharp to the left, and there is 
then a very steep zig-zag with bad corners to be negoti- 
ated, after which the road unites with the former at 
Wellington Fountain. This route is a saving in distance 
but it is not recommended for any but small cars. 



DISTRICT ROADS AND ITINERARY OF ROUTES 97 

From Wellington Fountain the road to Kotagiri is 
indicated by a sign -board, and commences with a long 
steep hill. It joins the Coonoor- Kotagiri road at Peat- 
bog toll-bar. It may here be noted that this route is 
preferable for cars of any size from Coonoor as mention- 
ed below in Route No. 5 as two nasty hair-pin turns are 
avoided just before getting to the toll-bar. 

From Peat-bog toll-bar the road to Kotagiri is good 
and most picturesque. Arrived at Kotagiri, the motorist 
will have no difficulty in having the road to Kodanad 
pointed out for him. 

From Kotagiri on to Kodanad the road is not so good, 
owing to numerous surface drains ; but the magnificent 
scenery encountered well repays the trifling incon- 
venience of going slowly over these. At the Curzon 
sign-post the road turns sharp to the left, and up a fairly 
steep hill from the crest of which a very fine view is 
obtained. To the right front, in the distance, rise the 
Billirangum hills. Farther to the right the famous 
Rungasvami's Pillar and Peak is seen. Passing on, one 
arrives at the Kodanad Tea Estates, near which sweep- 
ing vistas of the Mysore country below form a magnifi- 
cent landscape scene. 

ROUTE No. 5 
Coonoor Kotagiri. Distance : Thirteen miles 

There are two routes : (a) By Wellington : This is 
recommended for large cars. Leaving Coonoor by the 
Orange Grove Road, which is marked by a sign-post 
below the Club, one runs down to the Wellington Race 
Course. The road ascends and after a sharp climb takes 
a hair-pin corner to the right and comes out at Wellington 
Fountain. Thence the road is the same as described in 
the Ooty, Wellington, Kotagiri run (Route No. 4). 

(b) By Springfield : This is the better road for 
moderate sized cars, carriages, and bicycles. Leaving 
Coonoor by the Woodhouselee road, which starts at 
7 



98 NILGIRI GUIDE AND D1KKCTORY 

Sim's Park Gate and runs past the Pasteur Institute, a 
long steady climb of about four miles brings one to 
Springfield. About two and a half miles from the Pasteur 
Institute a branch road to the right runs for about one 
and a half miles towards Dolphin's Nose (the remainder 
of the way to this point being by bridlepath), and this 
road is apt to mislead one. Hut with careful observa- 
tion the main road cannot be missed. Just before 
arriving at the Peat-bog toll-bar two nasty turns are 
encountered warning of which is given by caution posts. 
The remainder of the road is excellent, and fine views 
are to be obtained at every bend of the road. 





BELLE 



BEAU 




CJROUP OF TOPAS 




TODA WOMEN GREETING 



THE HILL TRIBES 

Population Todas Kotas Kurumbas Irulas- 
Badagas Their Origin ; Physical Characteristics ; Dress ; 
Dwellings ; Occupations ; Communal and Domestic Rites ; 

Religious Beliefs and Ceremonies and Traditions. 

THE Nilgiris are inhabited by five distinct tribes, four 
of which- - the Todas, the Kotas, the Kurumbas, and 
the Irulas may be considered primitive or aboriginal. 
They are not truly so, however, as many local antiquities 
prove that an unknown and now extinct race preceded 
them. Probably all of them, like the more- recently 
settled Badagas, who are the fifth tribe identified with 
the district, sought refuge in the mountains owing to 
conquest, political turmoil, famine, or local oppression. 
The immigration of the Todas is estimated to have 
taken place at least 800 years ago. Following them, 
and possibly attached to them, came the Kotas. The 
Kurumbas and the Irulas come next in chronological 
order, though at what period is doubtful. After an 
interval of possibly 300 to 500 years after the advent of 
the Todas, the Badagas immigrated in large numbers 
and settled on the hills. 

It is a curious fact that the population of these tribes Population 
is in inverse ratio to the period of their residence in the 
district, as shown by the percentage of their increase 
during a recent period of ten years. This may be 
readily seen by the accompanying table. 



Chronological 
order of Tribes 


Population in 
1891 1901 


Percentage 
Increase 


Todas 


739 


805 


9 


Kotas 


1,201 


1,267 


5 


Kurumbas 


3,966 


4,083 


3 


Badagas 


29,362 


34,152 


16 



100 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

The ethnology of these tribes has, from the earliest 
times of European occupation, evoked much interest, and 
many papers and books have from time to time been 
published concerning them. Nothing but a brief outline 
of their various characteristics can be attempted here ; 
those interested, however, may find a vast fund of 
information in the books pertaining to the subject, a list 
of which will be found in the preface to this volume. 

THE TODAS 

Although in numbers the Todas are by far the least 
among the native dwellers of the hills, yet by reason of 
their antiquity, peculiar features, dwellings, modes of life, 
and livelihood, the greatest interest attaches to them. 
Of the many books and papers that have been written 
of them, the quaint title of Captain J. Harkness's work, 
Description of a singular aboriginal race inhabiting the 
summit of the NeilgJierry hills, sounds the keynote of 
this interest. 

Origin Captain Harkness, however, according to the con- 

clusions of later ethnologists, was mistaken in terming 
them aboriginal. The oldest of the now -existing hill 
tribes they certainly are their occupation dating back 
at least eight centuries, possibly much longer but the 
evidence shown by cairns and barrows prove that the 
hills were once inhabited by a race now extinct. Many 
theories as to their racial origin have been advanced ; 
that, on account of their peculiarities of features and 
dress, they are of Roman descent ; and even that they 
are of the lost tribes of Israel. But Dr. Caldwell's 
theory that they are a Dravidian race of Scythian origin 
who were driven from the plains by Aryan invasions, is 
the most generally accepted. 

But whatever their early history, they have been 
regarded by other hill tribes as lords of the soil, and 
accordingly collected, and still in a measure collect, 
tribute in kind from their neighbours. The British 
Government has also countenanced this claim by paying 




Toda woman saluting her lord 




Badaga saluting his acknowledged 
superior, the Toda 



THE HILL TRIBES 101 

them quit- rent for certain lands in the towns of 
f Ootacamund and Coonoor. 

As a consequence, perhaps, the Todas are most Physical 
dignified in their bearing. They are well built, and ofj gt ^ C 
medium height ; the men averaging five feet four inches, 
and the women, five feet. The men are very hirsute as a 
rule. Their complexion is darker than that of the 
Badagas, but their features are more striking, being al- 
most European in contour, with decidedly Roman noses, 
bright hazel eyes, good teeth, and an abundance of rather 
coarse but glossy black hair, which is worn in a crop by 
the men but in thick ringlets by the women. The 
expression of their countenance is open, fearless and 
agreeable, and their smile pleasant, though rather 
vacant. 

The dress of the Toda is simple but picturesque. It Dress 
consists of a single cloth of coarse white material, 
bordered by scarlet or blue. This is wound around the 
.body in a manner which gives an effect not unlike the 
Roman toga. The men also wear the lingitti or waist- 
cloth called by them knvu, or konii. The women wear 
the same cloth thrown over the shoulders and held 
together in front. They are usually tatooed. Heavy 
bracelets of brass, silver and iron of quaint design, silver 
finger and thumb rings, and silver girdles are the much- 
prized ornaments of the women who spend much of 
their time in curling their straight black hair into long 
ringlets by means of a rounded stick. With such 
charms, however, they do not possess the virtue of 
cleanliness, beyond the care of their beautiful teeth, and 
may be, therefore, best admired at a distance. 

The Todas are essentially a pastoral people; their Occupation 
only occupation being the tending of their herds of 
buffalo which they drive from place to place as the 
pasturage affords. Unlike the Israelites of old, they are 
not dwellers in tents, but move from centre to centre, 
living in maunds or villages that are otherwise un- 
occupied. They cultivate no soil, but depend for their 
cereal food upon the tithes levied upon the Badagas and 



102 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Kotas. Their houses are of the most extraordinary 
design. They are oval pent- shaped structures of 
bamboo, fastened together with rattan, and thatched ; 
their ground area is about fifteen feet square, and their 
height in the centre just allows a tall man to move about 
easily. The only entrance or exit for man or air is a tiny 
door thirty-two inches in height and eighteen inches in 
width. Their domestic utensils consist of a rice-pounder 
and pestle, three or four brass dishes or plates, several 
bamboo measures, and sometimes a hatchet. A wall of 
loose stones surrounds each hut, and includes a yard 
measuring 13 X ]Q feet. A group of five or six of these 
houses together with a cattle kraal, comprises a maund. 
One hut is used as a dairy, one or two to shelter young 
calves, and the remainder are used as dwellings. 
Communal The Todas as a whole are divided into two distinct 
yfe me clans known as Tharthar and Tievali. Except by race, 
these appear to have no connexion one with another, 
and probably migrated to the hills independently and at 
different periods. The inhabitants of the various 
maunds, or villages, are much segregated and have little 
intercourse with one another. Polyandry in the form 
of one woman being owned by several husbands was at 
one time much practised, as the outcome of female 
infanticide, which is now, of course, prohibited by the 
British Government. Thus it is that the inhabitants of 
each village are all more or less related to one another. 
Every-day The ordinary routine of the villagers' lives is A^ery 

kH e monotonous and uneventful. The men assume all the 

duties pertaining to their herds of buffalo ; the women 
not being allowed to even enter the dairy. Upon 
emerging from his hut in the morning a man greets the 
sun by placing the thumb of his right hand to his nose, 
and extending the four fingers, in exactly the same 
fashion which English boys term ' making snooks '. 
He lets the cattle out of the kraal, milks the cows,, 
churns the cream of the previous night, and saunters^ 
forth to pasture his herd. Having lazed away the day 
in this occupation, he returns at night, again performs 




MAKURTI PEAK 



THE HILL TRIBES 103 

the light duties of the dairy, enters his hut, saluting the 
lamp as he did the sun, eats his evening meal, and 
retires to rest. The only duty imposed upon the women 
is the preparation and serving of food. The remainder 
of their time is spent in idleness, varied with the ever- 
lasting curling of their hair. 

The religion of the Todas consists of a vague concep- Religion, 

tion of many amorphous deities ; the recognition of Rites and 

. , , i r Ceremonies 

priests and sorcerers, and the observance or ceremonies 

connected with the event of birth, betrothal, marriage 
and death, which are filled with much ritual which has 
neither significance nor meaning for them. If asked 
for the reason of any such rite, the Toda replies in the 
one all-embracing word, 4 Mamal/ meaning * it is the 
custom 7 . As the buffalo is to him most essential to 
his present existence, so he believes it to have in- 
fluenced his past, and to influence his future state. 
Hence a sacred herd is maintained, which is tended and 
milked by priests, who dairy the product in sacred 
dairies. In all their many rituals also, the buffalo, or 
its product, always plays a leading part. A full descrip- 
tion of these might be found tedious, but a few observa- 
tions about their temples, priests, and ceremonies may 
prove of interest. 

Of the four or five Toda temples found on the hills, Toda 
the one near Billicul at the head of the Segur ghat is Temples 
best known to Europeans, and has been dubbed by 
them ' the Toda Cathedral '. In shape they are like 
the ordinary Toda hut, but are larger. The most sacred 
object within their walls is a bell, sometimes hung 
around the neck of the finest buffalo in the sacred herd, 
and supposed to represent ' Hiriadiva ' or Chief God. 
There are no less than five orders of priests. In the 
highest order the pre -ordination rituals are severe tests 
of physical endurance, and self-abnegation. Priests 
may be married men, but are required to lead celibate 
lives during their term of priesthood which is held for 
an indefinite term. The same condition is required of 
their assistants. 



104 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Domestic In the purely domestic ceremony of naming a child, 

andlFunerals ^ e narne * s chosen and conferred by the child's 
maternal grandfather. Marriages are arranged by 
parents between children of two or three years of age^ 
not until they are grown up, however, is the betrothal 
and marriage ratified. The marriage ceremony is simple, 
and consists of the bride prostrating herself before her 
future spouse, who places his foot on her neck and so 
seals the contract. A man dying, in curious semblance 
to the ancient Scythian custom, is robed in all his finery 
and waited upon by his friends and relatives. When 
dead he is wrapped in a new cloth and provided with 
grain, sugar, etc., for his crossing into the beyond. The 
body is then cremated amid much ceremony, and a 
further food supply ensured him by the killing of one or 
two buffaloes. The Kota musicians dispose of the 
material remains of the animals thus slaughtered, while 
the spirits of the buffaloes and the man are supposed to 
leap together into Hades from the summit of Mukarti 
Peak. This is called the ' green funeral '. Some 
months after, another ceremony, which includes not only 
the individual deceased, but all who since then may 
have accompanied him, is held. This is called the * dry 
funeral ', but from the amount of feasting and drinking, 
dancing, soothsaying, and general tamasha that ensues, 
it would appear to be anything but dry. The slaughter 
of large numbers of buffaloes on these occasions has, 
because of its wantonness, been restrained by Govern- 
ment. 

Apart from their priests, to whom no supernatural 
powers are ascribed, the Todas have their prophets, 
magicians, and medicine-men. In cases of sickness or 
difficulty of any kind the prophets are consulted. These 
usually work in pairs, deliver their oracles while in a 
state of hysterical frenzy. The sorcerer's powers are 
supposed to be inherited, and his particular role is the 
making or breaking of spells. In physical affections 
and infirmities, from stomach-ache to the dire effects of 
the ' evil eye ', the aid of the medicine-man is sought. 



Prophets, 
Magicians 
and 

Medicine- 
men 



THE HILL TRIBES 105 

He does not actually treat his patients, but puts them 
through one of a series of superstitious rigmaroles to the 
entire satisfaction of all concerned. These various 
humbugs are held in great awe, not only by the Todas 
themselves, but by the Badagas and other hill tribes 
with whom they come in contact. 

In spite of his set ways of life and superstitions, the Tempera- 
~^ , ^ , c 11 TT j-i ment and 

Toda maybe regarded as a merry fellow. He readily p as ti me s 

sees the point of a joke and enjoys it hugely. Unlike 
the majority of natives, he laughs heartily and places no 
restraint on his mirth in the presence of Europeans, 
whom he considers in no way superior to himself. He 
delights in feasting, music, and song (if one may apply 
such terms to the two latter). He takes an interested 
part in the several games of his people. One of these 
is a kind of * tip-cat,' and is played with a cylindrical 
piece of wood pointed at both ends, and a bat. Another 
resembles an obstacle race, two men taking part. 
Both start at the same time, but from different points. 
The man who has the handicap, in order to win, has to 
squeeze himself through a remarkably narrow opening 
made by stone slabs, before his pursuer can catch 
him. 

A people, who, as the Todas, have lived for centuries Traditions 
an indolent, characterless, and utterly useless life, can 
scarcely be expected to foster the traditions of their 
ancestors. Beyond some mythical old legends, which 
have neither historic nor romantic interest, they are a 
people without history. As such, they will probably 
continue to exist ; leading their quiet pastoral lives for 
generations, without ambition, industry, or progress ; 
and, but for an occasional and impersonal contact, com- 
pletely isolated from the world around them. 

THE KOTAS 

Following closely upon the Todas, and long before Origin 
the advent of the Badagas, the Kotas settled upon the 
hills. Their origin is unknown. They themselves say 
that they once lived in a mountain in Mysore, called 



106 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Kollernale, after which they named the first village 
they built on the hills. The Todas, on the other hand, 
say that they were brought from the plains to work for 
them. Their language is a very old and rude dialect of 
Kanarese. Curiously enough, they and the Todas under- 
stand one another, each conversing in his own language. 

Occupation As the Todas may be considered the herdsmen of the 
hills, so the Kotas may be termed the artisans and 
musicians of the hills. Mr. Grigg aptly describes them 
as 'a clan of Helot craftsmen/ for like the Badagas, 
they pay tribute in kind to the Todas, whom they own 
to be their lords. They are intelligent and industrious, 
and are necesary to all the other tribes as their black- 
smiths, carpenters, tanners, rope-makers, umbrella- 
makers, potters, musicians, and workers in gold and 
silver. Remuneration is received both in kind and 
money. 

Habitations The Kotas live in six different villages, orkeris (hence 
no doubt the derivation of the word Kotagiri), which, as 
a result of their occupation, are scattered over the plateau 
adjacent to Badaga villages. There is a seventh settle- 
ment at the foot of the western slopes near Gudalur, 
These villages consist of straggling streets of ill-built 
mud huts which are generally thatched and rarely tiled 
as those of their Badaga brethren are. The huts are 
fronted by narrow verandahs, the stone pillars of which 
are sometimes carved in quaint designs ; the work of 
craftsmen from the plains. 

Mode of I* 1 hi s personal habits the Kota is offensively unclean- 

ktf c ly. His dress consists of the usual single unbleached 

coarse cloth which he winds around him. He adds to 
the filth of his vesture the disgusting habit of eating 
carrion, and that often in an advanced stage of decom- 
position. For this he is despised by both Todas and 
Badagas. They justify the habit by declaring that when 
their god Kamataraya made the three principal hill 
tribes out of three drops of his perspiration, he com- 
manded the Todas to live on milk and butter, the 
Kurumbas he allowed to eat meat, such as the flesh of 



THE HILL TRIBES 107 

buffaloes, calves, etc. ; the Kotas were permitted to eat 
carrion if they could get nothing better. Their disgust- 
ing food, nevertheless, seems to agree with them, for 
Mr. Metz observes : ' At no time do they thrive so well 
as when there is a murrain among the herds of the Todas 
and Badagas.' They are also addicted to drink and 
opium. 

The Kotas worship one god, Kamataraya, and his Religion 
wife Kahasumna. This deity possibly had his origin in 
Kama, the god of love. In each village are two or more 
temples which are mere pent-houses of thatch, open at 
both ends, and supported by square stone pillars, sculp- 
tured much after the same fashion as the pillars of their 
verandahs, only on a larger scale. There are no images, 
but each god is represented by a thin silver plate. The 
priests are chosen by those already in office, and their 
vocation then becomes hereditary. Their office places 
no restrictions on them, and they marry and live as 
ordinary people. 

A great religious festival is held annually. It begins 
on the first Monday after the January new moon, and 
lasts a fortnight. It is an occasion for much feasting, 
drinking, dancing, music and song. The people array 
themselves in wonderful costumes of all kinds, bedeck 
themselves with such jewelry as they possess or can 
borrow, and indulge eagerly in the none-too-edifying 
pastimes of the hour. 

The birth of a child is attended by much ceremony ; Domestic 
it is afterwards named by the headman of the village, 
Betrothals are arranged between children, and when the 
girl is of age, she is sent to the house of her future 
father-in-law. A feast is then given with music and 
dancing, and the ceremony concluded by the bride- 
groom's mother tying a silver necklace (or tali] of Kota 
workmanship around the bride's neck. 

The ministrations to the dying, and the funeral rites Funerals 
of the dead, resemble both the Toda and Badaga cere- 
monies. A gold coin, worth about four annas, and 
termed a fanan is placed in the mouth of a dying person,. 



108 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Origin 



Physical 
Character- 
istics 



this, to pay the toll across the bridge of thread which 
leads hence to the world beyond. When dead, the body 
is gorgeously decorated, silver coins are stuck on the 
forehead, and after the last salutations of friends and 
relatives it is placed in a wooden car covered with 
cloths. In the car are also placed the implements of 
his craft and food to be of use to the deceased in the 
hereafter. The widow is then stripped of all her jewelry, 
and she performs her last obeisance to her dead lord. 
The body is then cremated. The whole ceremony is 
accompanied with much mourning, dancing, feasting, 
and an excess of drinking. The skull of the deceased is 
afterwards secured, and in December of every year 
this, with others of its kind, is accorded the honour of 
another festive ceremony, analagous to the Toda dry 
funeral.' 

THE KURUMBAS 

The Kurumbas of the hills comprise one of the now 
scattered remnants of a once powerful people, composed 
of numerous small tribes, which again sprung from a 
race of nomadic shepherds, one of the great Dravidian 
group, who inhabited the Peninsula of South India before 
the historic period. Hence the origin of the word 
Kurumba, which means a shepherd. 

The Kurumbas are small in stature, dark-skinned, very 
uncouth, and wild and squalid in appearance. Dr. Short 
describes them as having wedge-shaped faces, flat noses, 
hollow cheeks with prominent cheek-bones, slightly 
pointed chins, moderately large eyes, which are frequent- 
ly blood-shot. The hair is long and black, is grown 
matted and straggling, somewhat wavy, and is sometimes 
tied into a knot on the crown or at the back of the head, 
while the ends are allowed to be free and floating. They 
have scarcely any moustache or whiskers, and a strag- 
gly, scanty beard. They are as a body, sickly looking, 
pot-bellied, large-mouthed, prognathous, with prominent, 
outstanding teeth and lips ; frequently, saliva dribbles 
away from their mouths. 



THE HILL TRIBES 109 

The women have much the same physiognomy as the 
men, only somewhat softened, in expression, and some- 
what modified in feature by a small pug nose and surly 
aspect. They are very shy, and dislike seeing strangers 
or being questioned by them. 

The men seldom have any covering except the linguti, Dress 
some of the women wear only a waist cloth, and others 
wear a square cloth which reaches from under the arms 
to the knees. When they can afford it, both men and 
women adopt the ordinary dress of the other natives. 
The women are fond of ornaments, and wear necklaces 
and nose-rings, earrings, and bracelets of brass and iron. 

The Kurutnbas may be classed into three sections, Caste and 
namely, the Kurumbas proper, who reside in hamlets on " ivisions 
the plateau ; the Ur Kurumbas who are found around 
Nellialam ; and the Jen Kurumbas, or Shola Nayakas, 
who are numerous in the Wynaad, and especially on 
the Mudumalai side of it. 

Like the Kotas, the hamlets of this class are to be Kurumbas of 
found near Badaga villages, and are situated on, or near "lateau 
the slopes of the hills. They are termed mottas (proba- 
bly from maram, a tree), and consist of four or five 
huts, made of mud and wattle with thatched roofs. The 
front of the house is sometimes white-washed and orna- 
mented with rude drawings of men and animals in red 
earth or charcoal. 

They take their place among the other hill tribes as Relation to 



sorcerers, and as such are regarded with awe, mingled 
with hatred. Thus, at seed-time and harvest, they are 
invited and paid by the Badagas to turn the first sod, to 
sow the first seeds, or to cut the first sheaf in order to 
secure their good-will, and so avert misfortune to the 
crops. If evil befall the cattle, they are entreated to 
remove the curse. At times, and even as recently as 
1900, hatred has overcome fear, and batches of Kurumbas 
have been massacred by the Todas and Badagas in 
revenge for supposedly evil spells cast upon their cattle 
or crops. They also assist the Kotas as musicians at 
Toda and Badaga ceremonies. 



110 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

language The language of this tribe Dr. Caldwell considers a 

and Religion rude kind of Tamil, mixed with Kanarese, Their 
religion, like their language, is crude. They have no 
temples, shrines, or definite deities, though some profess 
to worship the god Siva. Births and marriages are 
celebrated by no religious ceremonies. But their funeral 
and post -funeral rites are similar to, and no doubt copied 
from those of the Badagas, their dead being cremated 
in the same manner. 

Ur Kurumbas The (j r Kurumbas are a distinct tribe from the fore- 
going". They are emigrants of a later date from Mysore. 
They form a comparatively civilized community, dwell- 
ing in the vicinity of Nellialam, and thus derive the title 
Ur, which means ' village '. They speak the language 
of their country, Kanarese. 

Jen Kuruni- j en Kurumbas are known by their neighbours because 
of their skill in collecting honey (jenu). The Jens 
themselves, however, resent this appellation, and call 
themselves Jenu Koyyo Shola Nayakas, ' honey-cutting 
lords of the woods', or Shola Nayakas, for short. Their 
acrobatic feats of climbing down the faces of cliffs and 
sheer precipices by means of a rattan ladder in order 
to rob the nests of wild bees are wonderful ; the more 
so because their work must be done at night when their 
victims cannot attack. They are essentially a jungle 
people scattered over the Wynaad, and having their 
huts secluded in the fastness of the wilds. Like the 
other tribes of the plateau, they are skilled in woodcraft, 
and depend for their sustenance on the spoils of their 
snares, as well as upon jungle roots, nuts, etc. Because 
of their familiarity with, and supposed control over the 
other denizens of the forest, they are greatly held in 
awe by the other natives, and make good this standing 
by the practice of sorcery. 

Religion Despite their primitive manner of living, they con- 

and Customs form to many domestic and religious ceremonies. The 

largest of these is an annual festival held in honour of 

their three caste deities. Kallatha, Airu Billi, and Kadu 

Billalla. The dead are usually buried in a sitting 



THE HILL TRIBES 111 

posture, but the very old are cremated. Marriages are 
arranged by the parents for their children. Widows are 
allowed to re-marry. The various communities are 
under the control of a headman, termed the ejuman, 
assisted by a panchayat. The language spoken is 
Kanarese. 

Taken as a whole, the Kurumbas of all sects have Summary 
benefited by European occupation of the country. 
JLarge numbers have been employed on the various 
plantations, and their condition has been bettered for 
this closer touch with civilization. They are also found 
useful in the hunting and trapping of big game. 

THE IRULAS 

The Irulas have many points in common with the Origin 
Kurumbas. Like them, they arc dwellers of the jungle, 
and hence they derive their name which literally signifies 
* people of the darkness*. (Tamil //'/, jungle, dark- 
ness.) As the primitive progenitors of the Kurumbas 
are supposed to have been shepherds, so this tribe is 
probably sprung from a race of hunters, the l>edas. 
Like the Kurumbas, again, their people are thought to 
have had at one time a powerful position among the 
people of the South, and to have likewise degenerated 
to a primitive mode of life through conquest and 
oppression. Their means of livelihood are identical with 
the Kurumbas already described. 

Their villages are called * mottas ', like those of the Villages and 
Kurumbas. They are situated on the slopes and at the 0ccu P ati011 
foot of the hills. They cultivate patches of dry grains 
(ragisamai, tenai, dhall, maise and castor), and also grow 
plantains, limes, and jack fruit. They rarely trade 
on the plateau, but go down to Mettupalayam with 
their produce. They also collect and market gum, 
dyes, etc. 

The Irulas are very dark-skinned another signifi- General 
cance of their name they are short, and very like the j 
Kurumbas in feature with flat noses. But they partially 



112 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Temple 



shave the head and wear the kudu mi, or top-knot, like 
the Tamils. At home they seldom wear anything but 
the linguti, on the plantations they sometimes dress 
like other natives. Their women wear a square cloth' 
reaching from the waist to the knee ; they are very 
fond of ornaments, such as nose-rings, bead necklaces, 
wire bracelets, etc. They are fond of dancing, and 
have their own musicians. Socially, they are divided 
into seven groups, each with its headman and his 
assistant, who exercise a certain control over their 
communities. Their language is a corrupt form of 
Tamil. 

Religion and The WO rship of a god, Vishnu, under the name of 
Rangaswami, is marked by a temple on the famous 
peak of that name. Grigg also mentions another 
smaller temple at Kollampala, below Rangaswami 's 
Peak, as dedicated to the worship of Siva, and of a cave 
on the hill, where the earth is regarded as holy, and 
which is much valued by the worshippers. These 
temples are not at all imposing in appearance, consisting 
only of circles of rough stones, each enclosing an upright 
one, with iron tridents fixed in the ground. The officiat- 
ing priests are Irulas, but the shrines are visited and 
paid homage to by other tribes. 

Neither births nor marriages are marked by cere- 
monies. The dead are buried in a sitting posture with 
a lamp, knife, and hatchet, in order to serve them in the 
next world. The ceremony is accompanied by much 
dancing and music. Each motta has its burial ground, 
and graves are marked by stones. Sometimes several 
members of the same family are buried at the same 
spot. Simple memorial services are held by the relatives 
on the anniversary of funerals. 

The Irulas are held in superstitious dread by all other 
tribes but the Kurumbas. There are many traditions 
concerning their power over wild beasts. They are 
accredited with being able to tame tigers, and the fable 
goes that the women when in the woods leave their 
children in the care of a tigress. 



Rites and 
Ceremonies 



Traditions 




C/J 

< 


< 

Q 



THE HILL TRIBES 113 

THE BADAGAS 

Chronologically, the Badagas may be said to stand Origi 
midway between the old and the new the advent of 
the Todas to the hills some eight hundred years ago, 
and the occupation of the district by the British at the 
beginning of the nineteenth century. For their coming 
has been found to have occurred after the year 1250 and 
before the beginning of the sixteenth century, of the 
exact period there is no record. The name Badaga, 
which has been spelt as it is pronounced, Budaga, and 
corrupted to burgher, literally signifies, uortJiener. They 
are a tribe of the Kanarese of Mysore, and, without 
doubt, their migration north accounts for the origin of 
their name. 

Compared with the other hill tribes, the outstanding General 
characteristic of the Badagas is their progress! v eness. 
In intelligence, and adaptability to European methods 
and occupations they are far superior. Their dwellings, 
cultivated lands, and general mode of life, all manifest 
this superiority. As in number they are about six times 
as strong as the remaining tribes put together, they 
chiefly represent the natives of the Hills a virile, 
wholesome, and industrious people. 

In appearance they are as distinct from their neigh- Features 
bours as they are in manners. Their complexion is a Dress * 
strikingly fair ; their features are good, and of the 
general Hindu type the eyes are usually large and 
hazel ; their hair is black and straight, and worn after 
the Hindu fashion. They are of a medium height ; 
their limbs are well shaped ; while their active methods 
of life render them lithe and wiry. The customary 
dress of the men is a single, coarse, un-bleached cloth, 
edged with red or blue stripes, and the linguti ; though 
many now adopt the warm European coat, which they 
wear with a loin-cloth. Turbans are worn, or another 
innovation a red woollen night-cap. The women wear 
upper and Iqwer cloths of the same material as that 
worn by men. Their ornaments consist of brass, iron 



114 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Tempera- 
ment 



Badaga 
Songs 



or filagree silver ear-rings, neck-laces, bracelets, armlets, 
or nose-rings. Girls of a marriageable age are tattoed 
on the forehead, the design consisting of a square 
above, two circles below and a triangle at the base, all 
arranged in the form of a circle. The chest is also 
tattooed with lines and dots. 

In disposition they are prepossessing and docile. 
Their demeanour towards Europeans is very respectful, 
but with no loss to a certain dignity of bearing whicli 
they share in common with the Todas. Mr. Grigg's 
description of them twenty years ago is true of them to- 
day. * They are, ' he says, ' a gentle, light-hearted race, 
as any one will testify who has heard their ringing 
laughter as they wind their way in Indian file along 
any of the numerous paths that intersect the sholas, or 
climb the hills about Ootacamund. On the afternoon 
of Market-day especially, large parties of them may be 
seen returning to their villages laden with fairings, the 
foremost man in the row relating some incident in a 
stentorian voice for the benefit of the rest, who show 
their attention by an occasional grunt, as they jog 
along, and their appreciation of his wit by a chorus of 
laughter ! ' 

' They are fond, ' he continues, * of music and song ; 
their tunes are quaint and original, and, when heard at 
a distance, have an uncultured sweetness about them in 
keeping with the soft colouring and wild beauty of the 
scenery of the land which is their home. They have 
many ballads of great length which are sung to a 
monotonous kind of chant, and are an endless source of 
amusement, judging by the eagerness with which a 
Badaga audience listens to them. They are divided into 
stanzas of unequal length, and when a break occurs, 
or the performer pauses to take breath, the audience 
chimes in with a general grunt which has a most 
ludicrous effect/ The style of their metre somewhat 
resembles reqitiescat in pace Longfellow's * Evan- 
geline,' as the following stanzas from ' Bela Sevena ' 
show : 



THE HUJL TRIBES 115- 

Once in the village of Hanniamanmi, 
Near to the fortress of Kolega Kambe, 
IJved there a youth named Bela Sevena, 
Also his brother, Bela Mada. 

Like where they to one another, 

E'en as the spreading horns of the buffaloe 

Nineteen men had Bela Mada, 

Nineteen ploughed the land for Sevena. 

There are a number of graded castes among the Castes 
Badagas. Mr, Grigg's Manual describes them as split 
into no less than eighteen sub-divisions, composed of 
seven principal sects. Later accounts divide them into 
six distinct classes which, in order of social prece- 
dence, are known as : Udeya (pr. : Wodeya), Haruva, 
Athikari, Kanaka, Badaga, and Toreya a classification 
which has been confirmed through a Badaga by the 
author. 

The Udayas are of the highest class, the name mean- 
ing * lord '. They are, as were the Levites to Israel, 
essentially the priests of the people. They claim 
descendancy from ancient kings ; wear the lingam ; and 
are in every sense regarded as aristocrats. 

The Haruvas are also priests wearing the Brahminical 
thread, and are supposed to be derived from a degene- 
rate class of Brahmans who accompanied the tribe in 
their emigration. Both this sect and the Udayas are 
vegetarians, as are also some of the Athikaris. Of the 
three remaining castes there is little worthy of remark, 
save that Toreyas are accounted the lowest and the 
servants of all the other sects. 

These are scattered all over the plateau, and, to Villages 
European eyes, they present a pleasing appearance with 
their neat rows of tiled, one-storeyed houses, surrounded 
by tiny fields, often divided by diminutive stone walls. 
The houses, themselves, are built of mud, stone, or 
brick, and are often roofed with flattened kerosine tins 
and nearly always covered with tiles. There is- a 
verandah in front and sometimes a terrace for winnow- 
ing and threshing grain. They contain but little 



116 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

furniture : a rice pounder, a few brass salvers, and a. 
mortar made in the floor being all the necessary 
additions to a Badaga dwelling. 

Occupation The ar$;|yal of the European has marked quite a new 
era in the industries of the Badaga. Before this he 
appears to have lived in a primitive and precarious 
condition, depending solely upon the produce of his soil 
and cattle for sustenance. He now finds a comparative- 
ly remunerative employment in the breaking of stone 
and the making and repairing of roads, in the felling 
and sawing of timber, and in the building trade as 
bricklayer, carpenter, or blacksmith. He also raises 
large crops of potatoes, peas, and has recently taken 
to growing garlic and onions, and all for market purposes. 
By his keenness and good mental and physical 
attributes, many a Badaga has risen from quite the 
cooly class to a position that has enabled him to under- 
take respectable contracts, and to turn out first-class 
work with but slight supervision. His dealings may 
not always come up to the European ideal of f airplay 
like most Orientals, he considers a slick piece of 
cheating rather clever and laudable but he works well 
and thoroughly for those whom he respects, and is 
much more dependable than the average native. 

A.t home, the women do most of the work in the 
cultivation of the fields; the men, however, do the 
ploughing. Korali and samai are the cereals mostly 
grown, these forming their staple diet. They also keep 
large nuitibers of cattle, and sell a good part of their 
dairy produce to Europeans. Every village like those 
of Todas, has its dairy, which young boys and women 
are forbidden to enter. 

The Badagas are Hindus of the Siva sect, but their 
form of worship of Siva has become more or less 
corrupted by their intercourse with the other hill tribes 
about them. The first four of the castes, Udayas, 
Haruvas, Athikaria, and Kanakas belong to a special 
Saivite sect calling themselves Lingayats. The founder 
of this sect, Basava (a bull), was supposed to be an 




BADAQA FUNERAL CAR 



The most notable event in a Badaga's life is death. Never, 
while he lives, does a Badaga enjoy the homage or ceremony 
that is paid to his dead body. The elaborate Funeral Car, 
shown above, is not the least of the honours conferred on the 
dead. 



THE HILL TRIBES 117 

incarnation of Nandi, the bull of Siva. He refused to 
wear the Brahminical thread because its investiture 
required the adoration of Siva. He became a political 
leader among his people, and in 1 160 established a new 
sect, substituting for the Brahminical thread, the lingam. 
The lingam is a little black stone, about the size of an 
acorn, enshrined in a little silver box of peculiar shape, 
which is worn suspended from the neck or tied around 
the arm. 

The shrines and temples of the Bagadas are numerous. 
Siva, in the form of Rangasvvami, as has been noted in 
'Connexion with the Irulas, possess a shrine on Ranga- 
swami's Peak. The big Karaimadai temple near 
Mettupalaiyam is also dedicated to this god. Many 
lesser deities are enshrined throughout the country. 

Among the Badagas no ceremonies attend the birth 
-of a child, and beyond feasting and general tamasha, no 
regular ritual attends their marriages. The nuptial knot, 
indeed, is very loosely tied ; it being no extraordinary 
thing for a dissatisfied bridegroom to dismiss his bride, 
and send her back to the house of her parents. This, 
happily for the unfortunate girl, is considered no 
dishonour, and she is free to receive the attentions of a 
more constant spouse. In common with other native 
tribes the greatest ceremony attends death. A coin in 
the mouth of the dying ; the great and elaborate funeral 
car (a good idea of which may be obtained from 
the accompanying illustration) ; music by the Kotas ; 
dancing by themselves ; and much feasting and more 
drinking' by all, these are the attributes of a Badaga 
funeral. The one striking feature of the ceremony is 
the absolving of the deceased's sins by means of a 
scape-calf ; a long litany of all the departed's possible 
jnisdeeds being recanted by a priest, while the people 
chorus in with the refrain, ' It is a sin * (which the 
.unfortunate calf, brought there for the purpose, must 
bear the weight of). Final absolution is contained in 
the last incantation and response : * Let all his sins be 
forgiven, and may it be well with him, yea, all be well. ' 



118 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

The body is then cremated in the gorgeous funeral 
car, and the ashes cast on the waters of the nearest, 
stream. 

No descri P tion of tne Badagas would be complete 
without some account of their Fire-walking Festivals. 
These are held at the villages of Melur, Denad, 
Jakkaneri, and Nedugula, and are in the nature of, 
agricultural ceremonies. They are held at various times 
in the several places mentioned. Mr. Francis, describ- 
ing that held at Melur (where the most elaborate festival 
of them all is held) says : ' The festival takes place on 
Monday after the March new moon, just before the 
cultivation season begins, and is attended by Badagas 
from all over Merkunad. The inhabitants of certain 
villages (six in number) who are supposed to be the 
descendants of an early Badaga, named Guruvajja, have 
first, however, to signify through their Gottukars, or 
headmen, that the festival may take place, and the 
Gottukars choose three, five, or seven men to walk 
through the fire. On the day appointed the fire is lit 
by certain Badaga priests and a Kurumba. The men 
chosen by the Gottukars then bathe, adorn themselves 
with sandal, do obeisance to the Udayas of Uduyarhutti 
near Keti, who are specially invited over and feasted ; 
pour into the adjacent stream milk from cows which 
iiave calved for the first time during the year ; and in- 
the afternoon throw more milk and some flowers from 
Mahalingasvami temple into the fire-pit and then wal|c 
across it. Earth is next thrown on the embers, and 
they walk across twice more. A general feast closes 
the ceremony, and the next day the first ploughings are 
done ! 

* Finally, a net is brought ; the priest of the temple- 
standing over it, puts up prayers for a favourable 
agricultural season ; two fowls are thrown *intd the net 
and a pretence is made of spearing them. The net is- 
then taken and put across some game path, and some 
wild animal (a sambur, if possible), is driven into it,, 
slain, and divided among the villagers. * 



THE HILL TRIBES 119. 

Like all the hill tribes, the Badagas are not in any Summary 
sense of the word an aggressive or hostile people. But 
their intellect, as has been seen, is far in advance of the 
majority of their neighbours ; so that, if like the Todas, 
they have no records of national deeds of valour, yet 
their numerous ballads are full of romantic heroics, 
which makes up for their lack of racial traditions. They 
have already become an important factor in the general 
scheme of things so far as their general usefulness is 
concerned, and there is no doubt that, as their op- 
portunities for education and civilization increase, they 
will, as a people, be useful and influential in the com- 
munities in which they live. 



BOTANY 



General 
Character- 
istics 



The Downs 



A Sketch of the Flora of -the Nilgiris, by K. Rungachari, 
Esq., M.A., Agricultural College, Coimbatore. 

General Characteristics -The Downs Strobilanthes 

Other VarietiesHerbs -Pykara Valley About 

Doddabetta The Sholas Orchids. 

THE Nilgiri Hills form a part of the Western Ghats 
and their greatest height is about 8,700 feet. On the 
western side the Hills are steep, and on the Eastern 
side, instead of steep ftj^ces, we, find gcassy tablelands, 
with a sprinkling of sholas here and there. The flora 
of the Nilgiri Hills may be taken as a type of the flora 
of the Western Ghats. 

The vegetation on the higher elevations is. mostly, if 
not wholly, temperate in character and in the lower 
elevations there are several species of plants that may 
be considered to be tropical in character. 

On account of the differences in height and differences 
in the rainfall (40200 inches of rainfall), the flora is of 
a very varied character. Portions of the Hills below 
6,000 feet are densely covered with trees and the higher 
altitudes consist, almost entirely, of grassy undulating 
downs with sprinklings of bushes and sholas. Below 
2,000 feet the vegetation gradually merges with the 
shrubby flora of the plains. . 

The, long stretches of the undulating grassy downs 
are clothed with small herbs and shrubs, and the charac- 
ter of these vary with the locality, and the general 
appearance depends upon the time of the year. Vegeta- 
tion on these plateaux gives, undoubtedly, a special 
character to these situations though it is only over 
limited areas. 




SUNSET ROSE TREE 

(Growing in the Gardens of Hill Grove Hotel, Coonoor. It is 13 
feet in height and 39 feet in circumference. When in full flower, it dis- 
plays thousands of beautiful blooms, giving the effect of a glorious sunset.) 



BOTANY 121 

In -many places daring summer several species of Strobilan- 
Strobilanthes are seen to flourish, giving a striking thes 
feature to the place. Several species of this genus are 
gregarious in habit and flower periodically. So, during 
certain years, long stretches of strqbilanthes^may be 
seen in full flower over vast tracts. A large number 
of species of this genus are plants thriving on low 
altitudes, but Strobilanthes Knnthianus and Strobilan- 
thes sessilis are very common on the higher altitudes. 
These plants also, as Col. Beddome remarks, are gre- 
garious and cover several acres in extent and when in 
flower are one sheet of blue. It is these plants that 
have been supposed to have originated the name ' Blue 
Mountains.' 

More often we come across places occupied by Other 
Hypericum tnysonztise, Antlnstiria imberbis, Andro- ar c es 
pogon Sctuetianthus, and Rhodomyrtus tomentosus. 
Parts very much exposed harbour Ceropegia pit si! la 
whose corms are much sought by the Todas Andro - 
graph is lobelioides, ,Just<ieia nevlgh&rrensis, Leitcas 
rosmarinifolia, Satyrium Nepalense, Habenaria longi- 
calcarata, Habenaria bicornttta, Crotalaria bifaria, C. 
-evolvuloides, C. Rnbiginosa, and Impatiens Beddome i 
amidst low growing grasses and sedges. 

After rains, during the months of August and Septem- 
ber, these grassy plains become pink due to the blossom- 
ing forth of the orchid Satyrium Nepalense over 
extensive areas here and there. Mixed up with these* 
but scattered here and there, we find the plant 
Pedicnlaris Zcylanica filling up, as it were, the gaps 
with their pink flowers. This stretch of the monotonous 
colouring of the pink is n brbken up by the sprinklings of 
Habenaria longfcalcarata, whose whitish flowers are 
conspicuous by reason of their long spurs. On coming 
-closer, it will be seen to be further broken up by the 
flowers of Senecio ^ p.olycephalus,*'Sen*ecio Saxatilis, 
Exacums, Heracleitms, Pimpinellas, Anaphalises, and 
Valerians. 

Here and there, in wet situations, the most striking Herbs 



122 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

herbs are the beautiful white flowered Anemone 
rivularis and the yellow -flowered Ranunculus reni^ 
for mis. Occasionally, in some part or other we may 
find the slopes clothed with the beautiful flowers (in 
large conspicuous umbels) of Heracleums (especially 
Heracleum Sprengelianum and H. rigens) and Pint- 
pinellas. Certain other moist spots teem in Eriocaulons, 
Xyris, Anthistiria tretmda, Cyperus capillans, Kyllin- 
gas, Smithia blanda, Smithia gracilis, Limnophilas, 
Impatiens tenella, Spirant lies Australis, Flemingia 
vestita, and Centratherum reticulatunt. In the gulleys 
or depressions very often we tumble on long patches of 
land overgjrown with the plants, Cnicus Wallichit, and 
Dipsacus Leschenaultii. Both these are somewhat 
gregarious in habit and so occur in large numbers. 
Another conspicuous plant conspicuous on account of 
its very long and stout flowering spike occurring at 
odd places is Lobelia excel sa. 

When we closely scrutinize the low growth, we see 
that even the humblest plants are very many and vary 
in character. The very commonest herbs, found almost 
all over, amidst the low grass are Drosera peltata, 
Drosera Burmanni (both insectivorous), Circcca Alpina? 
Galiuw MollugOy Galium rotundifoliutn, one or two 
species of Anotis, Hypericuni Napaulense, Hypericum 
Japonicum, Leucas suffruticosa, Leucas rosmarinifolia* 
Lysimachia deltoid es and Lysim&cfna LescheHaulttana. 
Patches of land clothed by the plant Gentiana quadri- 
faria conspicuous by their brilliant pretty blue flowers 
occur here and there. Other plants, bearing blue flowers 
and occuring scattered about here and there, are 
Wahlenbergia gracilis, Campanula ful gens and Cyno- 
glossum furcatum. Where the plateaux are very much 
exposed and where the slopes are dry, we find amidst 
the grass, Brunella vulgar is, Micromeria biflora, 
growing in abundance and giving a special feature to 
the slopes. 

Pykara The moist slopes of the Pykara river and the slopes 

* ey near the Kundahs are carpeted with the remarkable plant 



BOTANY 123- 

Hedyotis verticillaris, which seems to be peculiar to 
these places, as it has not been found till now anywhere 
else in South India. This plant, Senecio polycephalus, 
Andropogon Foulkseii, Andropogou lividus, and 
Scutellaria rivalis give a special character to the 
slopes of the Pykara river. Another feature special to 
the Pykara river is the occurrence of Podostemonacece 
over rocks especially on rocks in and round about the 
Pykara Falls. Somewhere about the same place the 
unique arboreal species of compositae Vernonia arborea 
flourishes in abundance. 

The grassy downs round about Doddabetta vary a little About 
from the. surrounding places by reason of the abundance 
(jf the plants Brunei! a vulgaris, Carapesium Cernuum, 
Hal enia Perrotettiana, Iiupaticns Leschenaultiana, 
Microtncria biflora and Jnsticia itcilgherrensis. 

The bushes dotted over the grassy downs consist 
idmost entirely of Rubus ellipticiis, R. moluccanns 9 
R. lasiocarpus, Crotalaria Notonii, Elaeagnus latifolia, 
Berberis aristata, Sophora glauca, Leucas lanccefolia, 
Rhamnus Wightii, Sarcococca prunifonnis, Ganltheria 
fragrant issima and Oshecktas. Amidst these bushes 
we find the Rhododendron arbor e^m lifting its head 
at irregular intervals. Another tree found at odd 
corners is the Tud tree of the Todas (Melioswa 
Weghtii.) 

Places where there is a constant oozing of water 
commonly abound in Luzula campestris y Juncus pris- 
matocarpus> Hypencum japonicunt, Utricularias, 
Drosera . Burmanni, Lycopodiitm cerunum, Pycreus 
capillaris, and Dicrocephaluses. 

In the neighbourhood of Ootacamund most of the The Shot a 
Sholas that were once the special feature of this part 
of the- Hills, have disappeared because of the inroads of 
the introduced blue gum trees. However, there is no 
fear of the total extinction of the Sholas, on account of 
this inroad, in the near future, because the Eucalyptii 
do not spread by self-sown seeds; nor are they hardy 
like the pestiferous weed Lantana. Another introduced 



124 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

tree that is slightly altering the phase of vegetation is 
Acacia dealbata. 

Most of the sholas now found over the Hills are 
situated ' in the 'sheltered gullies, or valleys. On the 
borders of these sholas Sophera glauca, Rhodomyrtus 
towentosufi, Atylosia Candollei, Dodonwa viscosa, and 
the tall spiny leaved Berberis nepalensis are very 
common. The bulk of the sholas consist of evergreen 
trees and none of them are conspicuous by bearing large 
flowers, with the exception of the trees Michelia nila- 
girica, and Fragrcea obovata. The trees forming the 
bulk of the sholas are Michelia nilagirica, Elceocarpus 
oblongus, E. ferrugineus, Eitrya Japonica, Litsceas, 
Eugenia Arnottiana, Ilexes, Sytnplocos spicaia, Vibur- 
num erubescens, and V. hebanthum, Photinia Lind- 
leyana, Meliosma pungeus, Turpinia pomifera, Micro- 
tropis ovalifoUa, Myrsine capitella and Ligustrurns. 

Amidst these trees there is usually a thick - under- 
growth of shrubs and low trees. Of such low trees and 
shrubs the most striking and common ones are, Psycho- 
trias, LasiantJius Polygala arillata, Strobilanthes (two 
or three species) Maesa indica, Hedyotis stylosa, Wen- 
landia Notoniana, Enonymus crennlatiis, Berberis 
nepalensis, and Pantapanax Leschenaultiana. 

In several sholas, to the exclusion of these under- 
growing shrubs, the Nilgiri Nettle, Girardinia hetero- 
phylla, flourishes gregariously. The ground itself inside 
the sholas is covered with several species of heibs, 
such as Viola serpens, Viola distans, Ranunculus 
Wallichiauu>S) R. Diffuses, Plectranthrtses; 'Droiigetia, 
Pilea^ Phyllauthus, Euphorbia Rothiana, Andro- 
graphis Neesiana, Scutellaria violacea, Achyranthes 
bidentata^ Desmodium Scalpe, Osbekia Wightiana, 
DispontM LeschteiraUlfidnum, Ariscemas^ Myriactis 
Wightii, Sanicula Eitropea, Cardamine African a and 
Blumeas. 

There are also various climbers, but the most striking 
ones are Jasminum brevilobum Zehneria Hookeriana 
and Z. Bauer iana, Vitis Hookeriana J, Passiflora Les- 



BOTANY 125, 

chenaultiana, Senecio Corymbosus and the scandent 
Rosa Leschenaultiana. 

Right in the^ interior, in shaded corners ,^t ; he two 
Orchids'* An&ctochilits ' betaceus ((black leaved ones 
with silvery white lines) and Cheirostylis flabellata are 
found. There also occur here and there the root 
parasites Balanophora indica and the Orobanchs, 
Christ isoma and Aegenetia. 

A very large number of EpipJiytes flourish on the 
branches of the shola trees and on rocks inside the 
sholas. Such are Peperomias, the orchids Oberoina 
verticillarisy O. Wightii, O. Brononiana, Eria nana* 
Eria reticosa, Saccopetalum WigJitii, and the ferns 
Pleopeltis lin^aris, P. lanceolata, Asplenttun, Aurititw, 
Lycopodium serratnm and L. Selago. 

As we descend, these sholas change in character. 
Certain trees become less conspicuous ; some entirely 
disappear and new ones occupy their place. Michel ia 
Nilagiricti Ilex Gardneriana and some species of Litstca 
and Cinnamontuw, are conspicuous by their absence 
Trees such as Pittosporums, Garcinias, Terminalias, 
Hydnocarpuses, Grewias, and Erioheiias predominate. 

In the sholas lying between 4,000 to 6,000 feet the 
most characteristic trees and lianesare these Bisclwffia 
javanica, Cryptocarya WigJitiana, Canarium strictum, 
Euonymus indicns, Gomphandras, Hopea parviflora r 
Garcinia Cambogia, Hitmboldtias, and Polyalthias. 

The vegetation is at its best only between the altitudes 
of 3,000 and 4,000 feet and the loftiest trees are found 
only in the Sholas existing between these altitudes. 
The evergreen forests on the western slopes are the 
grandest and the most varied and interesting, as the 
country dips down very abruptly. ' They are all ever- 
green and their great variety of foliage and colour 
renders them exceedingly beautiful, some of the young 
leaves coming out pure white, others a bright crimson,, 
others all possible tints of brown, yellow, red and green. 
These tracts are exceedingly moist from the first showers 
in March till the end of December, and during that 



126 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

season abound with leeches. The trees are often 
covered with epiphytic orchids, ferns, mosses, balsams, 
and some gesneraceae, and there is a glorious profusion 
of rattans, tree ferns, climbing ferns and fine creepers. 
But what may be said to be most characteristic of these 
forests is the genus strobilanthes, large shrubs, which 
form the principal underwood and of which twenty-nine 
species are found on these hills. Some of these flower 
every year, but others only after a growth of six or 
seven years, when they die down and renew themselves 
from seed. Almost all of them have showy flowers 
and many of these are really beautiful. The two palms 
Caryota Urens and Arenga Wightii, are very conspi- 
cuous in these tracts, and so are several specimens of 
rattan (Calamus), and three very fine reed bamboos 
Ochlandra Rheedii, Orytenanthera Thawitesii, and 
Teinostachynm Wightii, a very handsome broad-leaved 
species, described by Munro as a bambusa from speci- 
mens only in leaf. Ferns occur in great profusion 
including several tree ferns, amongst which the Also- 
phila crinita is very beautiful. Sonerilas and balsams 
are also numerous, Gnttiferae,Ruliaceae, and Eitphor- 
biaceae are the orders perhaps most copiously represented 
(next to Acanthaceac], the first by trees, the two last by 
shrubs and trees.' 

One very striking feature in the vegetation on the 
Gudalur side is the enormous spreading of the introduced 
weed lantana. Several miles are already overrun by 
this troublesome weed. The part between Gudalur and 
Neduvattam is very rich in orchids and balsams both 
as regards number and variety. Beginning from Nedu- 
vattam down to Vayitri the balsams are at their best 
during the latter half of the year. In the neighbourhood 
of Neduvattam, Dendrobiiims, Impatiens modesta, and 
Iinpatiens fruticosa are abundant. Other species of 
balsams /. scabriuscula, I. kleinii. J. diver si folia, I. 
chinensis, I. inconspicua and /. balsamina are also 
abundant as we travel down the Gh&t. Beyond Gudalur 
the pretty balsam Impatiens Gardneriana is most 



BOTANY 127 

abundant, and is very conspicuous on account of its gre- 
garious habit and the rose-coloured flowers. 

The flora of no part of the Presidency is so well 
known as the Nilgiri Hills, for almost every botanist 
that has set foot on this part of India has either collected, 
or worked at the plants of the Nilgiris. Several have 
been ardent workers. Of those that collected plants 
on these Hills we must mention specially, Hohenacker, 
Schmidt, Gardener and Sir Frederick Adam. The 
labours of Dr. "Wight and Col. Beddome in this 
direction, are too well known to need mention. Dr. 
Wight, while residing in Coimbatore District as the 
superintendent of cotton plantations, had very good 
opportunities of studying the plants and he utilised his 
opportunities to the best advantage, and, as a result, he 
collected a large number of plants and published the 
books * Spicilieginm Neilgherrense : Illustrations of 
Indian Plants ' and ' Icones Plantarum.* A very large 
number of the plants growing on these hills are figured in 
these books. Another work which is eminently a useful 
book is Beddome 's * Flora Sylvatica^ which gives 
figures of several trees and shrubs. Col. Beddome has 
also published two excellent books on Ferns Ferris of 
British India ' and ' Ferns of Southern India.' All 
these books are available in the Ootacamund Library. 



GEOLOGY 



Physical 
Aspect 



Supposed 

Marlae 

Aftion 



Physical AspectSupposed Marine Action Dislocation: 

Systems of Faulting First System Second 

System Third System Upheaval of 

the Plateau Clay and Soil 

Industrial Minerals. 

THE Nilgiris, like the Pulneys, the Shivaroys, and the 
Anemalies, rise abruptly from the surrounding low 
country, and are bounded by precipitous cliffs through 
which the hill streams have, by their increasing action, 
cut deep gorges arid ravines. 

These river gorges have the perpendicular sides and 
are separated by the steep ridges characteristic of ri\ er 
demolition in a mountainous country. 

The surface of the Nilgiris forms an undulating 
plateau, amidst the rounded grassy hills of which the 
streams fiow with comparatively slight fall until the 
plateau edge is reached. This rounded shape of the 
plateau hills and the undulating nature of the district, 
led Mr. Blanford, of the Geological Survey, to the 
conclusion that the present configuration of the country 
was the result of marine action, and, as a further proof 
that the plateau had been formerly beneath the sea, 
he drew attention to the resemblance of certain escarp- 
ments to sea cliffs, notably to the escarpment on the 
S. E. side of Doddabetta, to that to the N. W. and N. 
of Jackatalla (Wellington) and to the escarpment 
running in a S.W. direction from the rise of the Pykara 
River on Makurty Peak and forming the boundary of 
the Kundah District. However this may be, the cliffs 
which bound the plateau are so steep that it would 
appear that the rate of upheaval of the plateau must 
have been geologically rapid , otherwise demolation, 



GEOLOGY 129 

whether sub-aerial or marine, would have planed down 
the sides of the hills to a much more gentle slope than 
has actually been the case. 

To the geological periods during which this upheaval Dislocat ions: 
took place, study of the district itself can give no clue ; 
for sedimentary rocks are completely absent in the 
Nilgiris. The district is, however, affected by three 
principal sytems of faulting which have been described 
by Mr. Blanford, and these give us some hints as to 
the order of succession of the events which led to the 
formation of these hills. Of the three systems of dislo- 
cation, two are probably synchronous and at right 
angles to one another, being those which correspond 
with the lines of the Eastern and Western Ghats res- 
pectively ; the third is probably subsequent to the other 
two and contemporaneous with the final upheaval of 
the Nilgiri plateau. 

The first of these systems has an E. N. E. direction, First System 
varying occasionally to N. E. To this belong the great 
faults with a downthrow to the South-East, which have 
produced the Eastern Ghats and the S. E. escarpment 
of the Nilgiris, and those with a N. W. downthrow 
which have given rise to the great Kundah escarpment 
and that at Nedduvattam ; the Pykara valley at the 
foot of the Himigala range and the S. E. escarpment 
of Doddabetta belong also to this system. 

The second system, nearly at right angles to the Second 
preceding, has a W. N. W. direction varying to N. \v. System 
when it meets the former system. It comprises the 
Western Ghats and this smaller escarpment of the 
Kundah range from the Pykara river to the village of 
Kil Kundah overlooking the Bhavani river. Another 
line of fracture belonging to this system crosses the hills 
from St. Katherine's Falls to Elk Fall near Kotagiri, 
and it is to this that the gorges between these falls are 
originally due. 

The third great system of faults, probably distinct Third System 
and subsequent to the other two, forms the northern 
boundary of the Nilgiris, the short southern escarpment 
9 



130 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Upheaval of 
"lateau 



Rocks 



Clay and 



of the Kundah range, the extreme terminal escarpment 
of the hill country of Palghat ; and some smaller disloca- 
tions. 

According to the above, the following is the series of 
successive disturbances which have mainly given rise to 
the present physical aspect of the country. The first 
great disturbance which took place was the upheaval of 
the ghats and the intervening plateau of Mysore, the two 
main lines of dislocation meeting and possibly terminat- 
ing in the Nilgiris. 

The second great disturbance, which may have followed 
^ e f ormer a fter a certain interval, or as the closing act 
of a long period of elevation, was that which raised the 
Nilgiri plateau itself, the area affected being partly 
bounded by pre-existing times of fracture. 

The rocks of which the hills are formed belong to the 
class now 7 called charnockite. They almost always show 
a more or less marked parallel or foliated structure, 
often more easily seen on the weathered than on the 
fresh rock surface. They vary in texture from a compar- 
atively coarsely crystalline rock in which the dominant 
minerals, Hornblende, felspar, quartz and often garnet, 
can easily be distinguished by the eye alone, to a dark 
finely crystalline rock. Black mica is not an invariable 
constituent of the rocks, but in a few localities 
is fairly plentiful, occurring frequently in nests and 
patches. 

^ n deep railway and other cuttings, where rocks are 
exposed which have been subjected to the action of 
percolating water, but not to that of the atmosphere, the 
weathering is often instructively evident. The felspar 
in having lost its alkali by solution is represented by a 
white clay (kaolin) ; this is spotted with black, marking 
the former presence of the ferro-magnesian mineral 
hornblende, whilst throughout the mass are scattered 
irregular shaped grains of undecomposed quartz. Where 
this decomposed rock approaches the surface the iron 
from the hornblende has become peroxidised and has 
stained the mass a deep red colour : to the peroxidation 



GEOLOGY 1 31 

of iron from this source is due the prevailing redness of 
the soil of the district. 

Intrusive dykes of Olive Nosite occur near Coonoor, Industrial 
and of Basaltic Trap near the N. and W. edges of the Minepals 
Kundahs. Quartz veins occur, but as far as is known 
do not contain gold in payable quantities. Kashin is 
plentiful, but contains too much iron to be of value for 
making pottery. Tinted ochrious clays are, however, 
used for colour-washing houses. 

Laterite is also found ; and peat is dug for fuel in 
several localities. 



ZOOLOGY 



Absence of 
Venomous 
ReptUes 



Game 



Absence of Venomous Reptiles MAMMALS: Game 
Monkeys- Civet Cats and Mungoose Squirrels 
Rats Porcupines BIRDS : Raportes Owls Game 
Birds Song Birds Swallows Climbing Birds, etc. 
Fish General Remarks Game Fish. 

WHERE vegetable life flourishes, there animal life 
thrives. As has been seen, the Nilgiris are rich in 
shola, bush and pasture, and water is abundant ; hence 
a correspondence in the number and variety of fauna, 
As a district in South India, its one peculiarity is the 
entire absence, at least on the higher elevations of the 
main plateau, of any venomous creature. None of those 
reptiles which are so much to be dreaded on the plains 
below, have ever been found in the vicinity of Ootaca- 
mund, Coonoor, or Kotagiri the climate forms an 
effectual barrier so that visitors may allow their chil- 
dren to play about in the long grass or bushes without 
the least anxiety. Another fact (which is so well known 
locally that residents may smile at its appearance here) 
is that none of the genera familiarly termed wild beasts 
exist in the neighbourhood of the larger communities ; 
they have long since been driven to the wilder and 
solitary parts of the district. 

MAMMALS 

Of the larger Game of the Nilgiris, perhaps the most 
famous is the Nilgiri Ibex, which is not in reality an 
ibex at all but a species of wild goat (Hemitragus hylo 
crius). Other game include the Tiger, Leopard, Bear, 
Sambhur, Deer, Antelope, Bison, Pig, Hare, Wild Dog, 
and Jackal^ descriptions of which may be found in another 
section under the heading of c The Game of Nilgiris. 1 

Of the three species of monkeys, Macacus silenus. 



ZOOLOGY J33 

Semnopitliecus Priamus, and Seninopithecus johni, 
and more familiarly known as the Lion-tailed Monkey, 
the Madras Langur, and the Nilgiri Langur, respec- 
tively. The last the Nilgiri Langur- is the most 
numerous and generally best known. It is a pretty 
little animal, with glossy black fur, except on the head, 
which has reddish brown hair. In the days of the 
tonga, large troops of these monkeys were usually to be 
seen on the ghat between Mettupalaiyam and Coonoor, 
but the coming of the railway and the destruction of 
them by natives, has evidently frightened them away 
from their old haunts, so that they are now very rarely 
met with. 

The Lion-tailed Monkey is so called on account of a 
tuft on the tip of the tail. Its hair is black, and a 
reddish-white ring of hair surrounds the face, which 
gives it a very venerable and antiquated expression. In 
nature, it is wild and shy, and is found only in the dense 
forests on the Malabar side of the district. 

Civet Cats are numerous, and, on account of their Civet 
destructiveness, the Game Association pays a reward !jL at ** nd 
for the killing of them. The species are classified 
as Paradoxurns niger, the Indian Palm Civet, and 
P. jerdoni, the Brown Palm Civet. Of the same family 
are three species of the mtmgoose the natural enemy 
of snakes, venomous and non-venomous. These are the 
Herpestes smith i, the Ruddy Mungoose; H. Vitticollis, 
the stripe-necked Mungoose ; and H, Fu setts, the Nilgiri 
Brown Mungoose. They are capable of being domesti- 
cated if caught young. 

Of Squirrels there are seven species : the Large Squirrels 
Broivn Flying Squirrel, Pteromys oral (of nocturnal 
habit, and rarely seen) ; the Small Travancore Flying 
Squirrel ; Grizzled Indian Squirrel; Large Indian 
Squirrel, and three species of striped squirrels. Of 
these the Nilgiri Striped Squirrel is peculiar to the hill 
ranges of Southern India and Ceylon. 

Four kinds of rats, the Common Indian, the White- 
tailed, the Indian Mole, and the Indian Bush are found. 



134 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



The last of these are destructive to the flowers and young 
branches of coffee trees, and the Mole Rat is also a great 
nuisance by its burrowing and chewing the roots of turf. 
Porcupines The Indian Porcupine of the ordinary variety is a 
common marauder of orchards and vegetable gardens, 
and does a deal of damage to potato crops. The Oota- 
camund Hounds sometimes pick up his scent and fall 
foul of him, much to the disgust of the huntsman and 
sometimes to the injury of the hound. 

BIRDS 

The birds known to the Nilgiris are numerous and 
of great variety, so that only a brief account of them 
may be given here. Indeed no connected account of 
them has ever been written but the nomenclature and 
classification of the various species and \arietics may be 
found in the Gazetteer of the Nilgiris which may be 
obtained either at the Ootacamund or the Coonoor 
Library. 

Rapotes The largest of the birds of prey are the Indian Long- 

billed Vulture, and the Smaller White Scavenger Vul- 
ture, both of which are said to breed on the Hills. Two 
varieties of Eagles occur ; Bonnellies Eagle and the 
Black Eagle. There are also three varieties of Havvk- 
Eagles ; a large scattering of the Common Pariah Kite ; 
two varieties of the Sparrow Hawk ; the common 
Buzzard and the Honey- Buzzard ; several varieties of 
Falcons, Kestrels, and Harriers which make up a 
fairly long list. 

Owls There are a number of species of Owls which include 

the Brown and Mottled Wood ; Brown Fis/i ; Rock- 
horned ; Forest Eagle Scops ; Jungle Owlet ; and 
Brown Hawk Owl, besides the familiar Barn or Screech 
owl and the Grass owl. The Owl appears to hold the 
same unsavoury reputation in India as he does at Home, 
and is said be held in great superstitious awe by the 
natives. His nocturnal habits, and dismal hoot are no 
doubt the cause of this ; for there is nothing the native 
sp dreads as darkness and the things of the night. 



ZOOLOGY 135 

Of Game Birds, the most remarkable, because of its Game Birds 
beauty of plumage and regularity of habit in migrating 
year after year to the same spot, is the Woodcock. 
The Snipe (of which there are two varieties the Wood, 
an-cl the Pintail] is also a migratory bird. Both arrive 
late m September or early in November as the season 
varies. Of Jungle-Fowl and Bush -Quail there are 
several varieties. There are four varieties of Pigeon : 
Grey-fronted Green, Pompadour Green, Jordan's Im- 
perial, and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. The two varieties 
of Doves the Bronze-winged and the Spotted may 
frequently be seen on the Ghat roads. 

The Nilgiris abound in sweet-throated song birds, and Song Birds 
visitors from the Plains especially must be struck by 
the richness and volume of their song which may be 
heard all through the day in garden and wood. Chief 
among these warblers, perhaps, is the famed Bulbul. 
There are seven varieties of the species : the Southern 
Indian ; Madras Red -vented ; Southern Red -whiskered; 
Yellow-Browned ; Ruby-throated; Grey-headed; and 
Yellow-eared. The first named of these is most 
common on the Plateau, and is easily recognizable by 
his dainty black-plumed crest and red-feathered throat. 
He is rather a nuisance in orchards, but his gift of song 
more than makes up for his attacks upon fruit. 

Of the same family (Craterpodicc) are many Thrushes 
and Babblers among which may be remarked the 
Wynaad Laughing Thrush ; the Nilgiri Laughing 
Thrush ; the Jungle Babbler ; the Nilgiri Babbler ; 
and the Southern Indian Babbler. There are many 
varieties of Warblers ; two varieties of Orioles ; a 
Nilgiri Blackbird ; and other varieties. 

Martins, Swallows, and Swifts are numerous. The 
Indian Edible Nest SwiftJet is a famous resident of 
Tiger's Cave, near Ooty, were hundreds of nests, built 
of a frame-work of grey lichen, and glued together by 
inspissated mucus, are a sight for the picnicker. Another 
colony of these birds may be seen at Law's Fall near 
Coonoor. Night-jars, Bee-eaters, King-fishers, and the 



136 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Climbing 
Birds 



Indigenous 
Fish 



Indian Roller are also more or less common. On the 
eastern slopes the frugivorous, Great Horn-bill whose 
cry has been compared to the braying of a jackass, is 
sometimes found. 

Climbing birds are well represented. Of beautiful 
plumaged Wood-Peckers eight different species are 
found. Of Cuckoos there are at least seven species, the 
commonest being the Pied-Crested variety. Shrikes 
and Minavets, Flycatchers (eleven species), Robins, 
Black-birds and Thrushes, Munias, Wag-tails, Skylarks, 
Sunbirds, Barbets all these and many more are to be 
found in different parts of the District. 

FISH 

There are, as Mr. Francis remarks in his Gazeteer of 
the Nilgiri District, only two species of fish indigenous 
to the upper Nilgiri Plateau, namely, a stone-loach and 
a small variety rarely exceeding three and a half inches 
in length, which Dr. Francis Day, the fish expert, 
named Danio Nilgiriensis and which is commonly called 
a minnow. The streams below are better supplied and 
Dr. Day stated that on the Cleveland estate, about ten 
miles below Koiagiri, and 3,500 feet above the level of the 
sea, he found Indian trout (Barilins rugosis. Day), 
which is really a carp and grows to about six inches in 
length. There are many other varieties, too numerous 
to mention here, at and below this altitude. 

Of sporting and edible fish may, however, be men- 
tioned the striped murrel of both large and small 
varieties ; the larger running to three feet in length 
and the smaller to one foot. The Carnatic carp runs 
up to 25 Ibs., but is too bony for comfortable eating. 
These species, and many others are found in the Bhavani 
river. The famous sporting fish, mahseer, used also 
to abound in these same waters, but owing to the 
dynamiting, netting and general trapping of the fish 
by natives, (strenuous efforts to avoid which have now 
come into operation) it is now less plentiful than 
formerly. 



ZOOLOGY 137 

Of the importation of exotic fish, Sir William Rumbold Exotic Fish 
appears to have been the pioneer, when in 1830 he had 
fish from the plains placed in the Billikul lake near his 
bungalow at that place. In 1844 Mr. Martelli placed 
Carnatic carp in the same water. The Pykara river 
now holds good sport in its carp fishing. The intro- 
duction of trout into the Kundah streams is the most 
notable of all these importations and will be found fully 
discussed in the next chapter : Game of the Nilgiris. 



GAME OF THE NILGIRIS 

Nilgiri Ibex Sambur Tiger Panthers and Leopards 
Pig -Black Bear- Elephant BisonSpotted Deer 
and Black Buck Rihfaced or Barking Deer. 

THERE is no attraction that influences the love of an 
Englishman more, or that so holds his constant affection 
for a country, than a good sporting 1 district which offers 
opportunities for his rifle, gun, or rod. The Nilgins 
have ever excelled in this feature ; and though, in spite 
of the vigilance of a protective society, game is not as 
plentiful to-day as it used to be in the early palmy days 
of sport in the district ; yet there is a sufficient remnant 
left from the greedy guns of old shikars, or the devasta- 
tions of natives, to afford true sportsmen a splendid 
field for their pastime. The rare climate, magnificent 
scenery, and varied country hold, in themselves, a 
fascination not to be found in any other part of India, 
nor, indeed, in many other parts of the world. 

Nilgiri Ibex Of the various classes of game met with in the 
district, that known as the Nilgiri Ibex occupies, 
perhaps, the most prominent place in the eyes of 
sportsmen. In truth this Ibex is no Ibex at all, but a 
Nilgiri wild goat or Jerdon Hemitragus Hylocrius : but 
Nilgiri Ibex he was dubbed by early shikars, and by this 
appellation will he continue to be known until the end 
of the chapter. To quote that late great authority on 
Nilgiri Game, Mr. G. A. R. DAWSON : ' The Nilgiri 
Ibex is a well-built and compact-looking animal, far 
more agile and nimble than his build and mien would 
lead one to suppose. A full-grown buck stands from 
thirty-six to forty inches in height at the shoulder. 
His horns are rather under than over fifteen inches in 




WILD BOAR 




BHAR 




SAMBUR 



GAME OF THE NILGIRIS 139 

length, and eight and a half to nine inches girth at base. 
The hair is short, thick and coarse ; the colour of a full 
grown " saddle-back " buck is dark brown approaching 
to black with palish brown saddle, which becomes 
whiter as the animal grows older ; head of the same tint 
with black mark from muzzle to forehead ; eye full and 
lustrous, with yellow bar for pupil, irises brown. A 
short mane on neck and withers ; tail very short, not 
exceeding three inches in length. There is a callosity, 
or bare spot, on the knees, with fringe of dark hair 
around. Hoofs rather far apart, the soles of which, 
though rough, are soft ; yielding to the pressure of the 
finger as india-rubber does, which peculiarity accounts 
for the animal's extraordinary sure-footodness when 
bounding over smooth and steep rocks. The younger 
males and adult females are of a uniform dusky brown 
with light grey underneath, and are most difficult to 
distinguish at a distance from the surrounding tints of 
the rocks and herbage amongst which they are to be 
found.' Avalanche, Makurti, and Nilgiri Peak are the 
best iields for this class of game. 

Sambur, the general characteristics of which are too Sam bur 
well known by Indian sportsmen to require any elabo- 
ration here, are indigenous all over the district, and 
afford excellent sport. This animal was formerly known 
as the elk of Southern India and Ceylon ; his scientific 
cognomen is Rusa Aristotelis. He is described by 
Mr. Dawson as the true model of all the cervine group 
for size, symmetry, and grace ; his well-built and 
rounded form take him in whatever attitude you will 
is found to be composed of curved and graceful lines all 
flowing into and harmonizing with each other, from the 
tips of his sixtyned antlers, down to his slender, but 
firmly-knit, hocks and hoofs/ The colour of the 
Sambur varies, according to season and en vironment, 
from a dark slaty to a russet brown. The dimensions 
of the horns of the Nilgiri Sambur rarely exceed forty 
inches ; thirty-five to thirty-seven inches seems to be the 
average of what may be considered a good head. 



140 



NILGIRl GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Tiger The Tiger is DOW and again encountered on the Hills. 

The Royal Bengal specimens of the Nilgirisare remark- 
able for their sleekness, well-marked thick glossy coats, 
and general fine condition ; owing, no doubt, to their 
being no paucity of cervine and bovine prey for them to 
feed upon. This may also account for the fact that the 
king of the jungle in his depraved state of man-eater has 
hardly ever been known here. As a cattle thief, how- 
ever, his reputation is no better than others of his kind 
in India. 

Panthers and Panthers or Leopards felts parchis are frequent. 



Leopards 



Black Bear 



Elephants 



As may be seen by the accompanying illustration, they 
are beautifully marked and coated. The black variety 
is sometimes obtained, but is much rarer than the 
dappled species. 

The most thriving of the various classes of game on 
the Nilgiris though, from the sportsman's point of 
view, the least interesting is the wild pig (sus 
indicus). This is no doubt due to the fact that pig- 
sticking, or hog-hunting, as it is carried out in the P]ains ? 
is impracticable on the Hills. His habitat is in brush- 
wood and fernbrake about Badaga villages, or wherever 
cultivation and solitude are to be found. He, therefore, 
ranks rather as a pest than as sporting game, and his 
complete extermination would be welcome. 

Some fine specimens of Nilgiri Black Bear (Ursns or 
Mehtrsns labiattis) have been from time to time 
obtained. This species has a shaggy coat of intense 
black, yellowish -white muzzle, crescent- shaped mark of 
the same colour on his breast, formidable claws and the 
usual awkward gait. The full-grown adult measures 
about five feet six inches from the tip of the snout to the 
tip of his apology for a tail (which is only about four 
inches long), and stands about thirty-four inches in 
height. These are found on the slopes of the hills near 
the plains and are easily got at by stalking, or by waiting 
near their caves very early in the morning, when they 
return after their night's feed. 

Elephants are to be found in large numbers at the 




TIGER 




LEOPARD 




HYENA 



GAME OF THE NILGIRIS 141 

foot of the hills, but are protected by Government, who 
will not under any circumstances grant permission for 
them to be shot. In consequence, their numbers have 
increased considerably during the past few years, and 
they have become a source of trouble to the sportsman 
who, while in pursuit of other game, finds himself in the 
midst of a herd, and has to beat a hasty retreat for fear 
of being charged by a cow who has a young calf with 
her, or of being trampled out of existence in case of a 
stampede. Rogues ' are not very frequently heard of: 
when one does appear, he is generally gazetted, and 
permission has to be obtained from the Collector of the 
District for his destruction. 

The Nil gin 13 i son is a very fine beast and is found at Bison 
the foot and on the slopes of the hills, and is worthy 
of the sportsman's rifle. A full-grown bull stands from 
fifteen to seventeen hands in height, and is a deep black 
colour with white stockings on all four feet, eyes a pale 
blue, a fine broad forehead of a slaty colour, and 
horns of a yellowish white colour at the head and up- 
wards which ends in black at the tips. They are 
generally found in herds varying from twenty -one to 
thirty in number, and are led by a bull known as the 
red bull, who is master of the harem, and brooks no 
interference from the younger bulls, but his reign is not 
for long. As the others grow older and stronger they 
begin to resent his proprietorship, and serious combats 
ensue, in which the younger and stronger generally 
overcome the old monarch of the herd, and he is turned 
out to lead a morose and solitary life ; he is then known 
as the solitary bull and is much sought after by the 
sportsman. He generally carries a very fine head, and 
moreover is more easily got at than the head bull, as he 
is sober, and has no vigilant cows to give the alarm. 
This alarm is very curious and sounds like a sharp 
steam whistle, and one which no one would expect from 
the bovine species. The cows are of dark brown colour 
with white stockings, but carry very small heads, the 
horns being of the same colour as those of the bull, the 



142 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Spotted Deer 
and Black 
Buck 



Rib-Faced or 
Barking Deer the 

some sport. 



Trout 



only distinguishing difference being that they turn in- 
wards and upwards at the tips. 

Spotted Deer and Black Buck are also found at the 
foot of the Hills in large numbers, and some very fine 
heads are to be had in the vicinity of Segur and 
Masnagudi, places of easy approach as there is a good 
ghat road, which leads to the Mysore country. Masna- 
gudi has a small Dak bungalow. 

The Rib-Faced or Barking Deer, commonly known as 
R found R]I Qyer the HiUs> and a ff ords 



Trout 
Stocking 



TROUT FISHING 



The streams of the Nilgiris are eminently suited 
to Trout. During the past twenty years numerous 
efforts have been made to introduce this game- fish 
into Nilgiri waters. For a long time these efforts 
proved futile owing to the great difficulty of importing 
ova. However, these attempts were finally crowned 
with success and, as we shall see, the Nilgiri streams 
have become first class trout -fishing waters. 

In October, 1906, the Government obtained the 
services of Mr. Wilson from Ceylon for a period of six 
months to stock the Nilgiri streams with trout and to 
inquire generally into the state of fish preservation on 
the Nilgiris. His investigations were carried out in 
1907 and were published in pamphlet form. He found 
that poachers on the Bhavani and Moyar rivers and their 
tributaries were rapidly emptying these rivers of all 
their fish partly by dynamiting, partly by poisoning, and 
more especially by the capture of fry in the higher 
reaches of the rivers by fish traps, cruvirs and various 
mechanical devices. With regard to the introduction of 
trout, Mr. Wilson found that the Avalanche, Pykara, 
Emerald Valley and Billithadhalla streams were suitable 
for stocking trout. 

Conservancy In the end of 1907 the Government appointed Mr. 
Wilson as piscatorial expert and accepting his recom- 
mendations with regard to fish conservancy below the 




BISON 






LEOPARD 




ELEPHANT 



GAME OF THK NILGIRIS 143. 

plateau, appointed a Fishery Inspector and eighteen 
watchers to work under orders of the District Forest 
Officer. Several rules were notified under the Indian 
Fishery Act for the protection of the Bhavani, Siruvani, 
Gopaneri and Moyar rivers. In the meantime a com- 
mencement had been made in building a trout hatchery 
and pond at Avalanche. Some thirty -five trout up to 
sixteen inches in length were transferred from the Par- 
son's Valley to Krurmund stream and a consignment of 
100,000 eyed Ova of T, irridens from Herr Jaffe's 
hatchery at Osnabruck, Germany, were received. Owing 
to unforseen difficulties in transfer from Mettupalaiyam 
this importation proved a failure. 

In 1908 Mr. Wilson endeavoured to arrange for a Hatcheries 
fresh supply of eggs from Lord Denbligh's hatcheries in 
Wales, but the arrangement fell through owing to the 
very cold and inclement weather in Spring. Finally, 
recourse was made to the New South Wales Govern- 
ment who arranged for a supply of 500,000, Rainbow 
Trout Ova from New Zealand and despatched them to 
Colombo by mail steamer in September, 1909. The 
eggs were safely brought to Avalanche and hatched out 
with remarkable success during the cold weather. The 
hatchery buildings and ponds had been completed during 
the year and 100 trout from Parson's Valley stream 
had been transferred to neighbouring streams and six- 
teen large trout placed in the hatchery stock pond. 

In the following year 39,625 trout fry were distributed Distribution 
among the Avalanche, Emerald Valley, Pykara, Krur- 
mund, Billithadhalla and Parson's Valley streams and 
in the Tiger Hill reservoir and Lovedale Lake, while 
Parson's Valley stream was netted and 100 fish taken 
out and placed in the Krurmund and Pykara waters. 
Later in the year, a supply of 25,000 Ova of English 
trout presented to the Government by Mr. Wilson, was 
received at the hatchery and hatched out. The fry were 
placed in a tributary of the Billithadahalla. 

Trout fishing on the Nilgiris was thrown open to the Trout Fishing 
public for the first time in 1911, and the season was 



144 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

opened by H. E. Sir Arthur Lawley on September 5 at 
Hodgson's Hut on the Krurmund stream. The season 
was a short one, lasting only until the end of the month^ 
and fishing was confined to a few streams, but eighty - 
two rods killed 137 fish weighing 200 Ibs., the heaviest 
fish caught weighing 5 Ibs. The establishment of trout 
on the Nilgiris was thus demonstrated beyond dispute 
and in subsequent seasons trout fishing has greatly added 
to the attraction of the Nilgiris. The trout breed freely 
in all the streams of the Kundahs and the Wenlock 
Downs, and provided the waters are kept stocked with 
sufficient fish food, there is no reason to doubt the 
success already obtained will be permanent. 

Rules New fishing rules were issued by the Government in 

May, 1912, both for the protection of trout and for 
indigenous fish below the plateau. With regard to 
the conservancy of fish of the latter, the results are not 
easily estimated, but it is believed that the measures of 
protection taken since 1908 have resulted in a very large 
increase in the amount of fish which are now found in 
large numbers in the lower waters. 

[ NOTE. For particulars as to trout fishing rules 
see * The Nilgiri Game Association. 1 ] 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 

Institution Management Shooting LimitsReside 

tions Shooting Licenses Conditions Notes on 

RulesFishing Rules LicensesNotes on Rules 

Rewards for Vermin Hodgson's Hut- Dak 

Bungalows. 

THE Nilgiri Game Association was instituted in 1877 
for the preservation of the existing game and fish in 
the District, and found Government support and con- 
firmation in the Nilgiri Game and Fish Preservation 
Act of 1879. The Collector of the District is, ex-officio, 
a Member, the President, and the Chairman of the 
Committee of Management. Kvery person holding a 
license to shoot and fish for the whole season automati- 
cally becomes a Member of the Association ; or, if he 
hold a temporary license, may become a Member of the 
Association for the term of such license on the donation 
of Rupees 10 to the Association. New Committee 
Members are elected by the Committee itself. The 
usual rules as to general and special meetings, etc., as 
applied to this Association, do not call for remark. 

SHOOTING 
Limits 

The limits covered by the Nilgiri Game Rules are as 
follows : 

(1) The south bank of the Bhavani river from 
Attapadi, in the valley of that name, to its junction with 
the Moyar river ; 

(2) from that point the north bank of the Moyar 
as far west as the boundary of the Nilgiri district ; and 
thence the boundary of the said district as determined 
for ordinary administrative purposes, to Nilgiri Peak. 

(3) from that point the western crest of the Nilgiri 
hills to its termination below Sispara. 

10 



146 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

(4) thence along, the northern, western and southern 
crests of the Silent Valley range to its southernmost 
point ; 

(5) from that point to Attapadi. 

Under section 33 of the Madras Forest Act V of 
1882, the Mudumalai and Kumbarakolli rented Forests 
and all Toda patta lands within the above limits are 
declared, for the purpose of these rules, to be reserved 
forests within the meaning of section 21 of the said 
Act. 

No person shall hunt or shoot within the limits to 
which these rules apply without a license issued by the 
Collector of the Nilgiris. Provided that this rule shall 
not apply to the hunting of jackals by the Ootacamund 
Hunt. 

Except with the sanction of the Collector, no person 
shall shoot at, wound or kill within the area to which 
these rules apply, the females or immature males of any 
of the following animals or mature male sambhur or 
spotted deer which are hornless or whose horns are in 
velvet : 



1 Bison or Gaur. 

2 Sambhur. 



4 Ibex. 

5 Antelope. 



3 Spotted deer. J 

Provided that any member of the Ootacamund Hunt 
may kill any sambhur brought to bay by the hounds 
while in the proper pursuit of hunting. The Collector 
shall have power to notify a definition of an " immature 
male " in the case of each of the above species of game. 

The areas covered by the shooting license are the 
reserved and rented forests, fuel and fodder reserves, 
grazing grounds, Toda patta lands, and areas under 
special fire protection under the following limits : 

(1) The south bank of the Bhavani river from 
Attapadi in the valley of that name, to its junction with 
the Moyar river ; 

(2) from that point the north bank of the Moyar 
river as far west as the boundary of the Nilgiri district 
and thence the boundary of the said district, as deter- 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 147 

mined for ordinary administrative purposes, to the 
Nilgiri Peak ; 

(3) from that point the western crest of the Nilgiri 
hills to its termination below Sispara ; 

(4) thence along the northern, western and southern 
crests of the Silent Valley range to its southernmost 
point. 

(5) from that point to Attapadi. 

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE LICENSE 

1. This license is not transferable. 

2. A season's shooting license renders the holder 
authorised to obtain from the District Forest Officer on 
application, a free license to fish in the area above 
defined, except in such waters as are reserved for trout 
fishing. 

3. This license must be shown on demand to any 
Forest Officer, to any Revenue Officer not below the 
rank of Revenue Inspector, and to any Police officer 
not below the rank of head constable. 

4. The Collector of the Nilgiris shall have the power 
to notify that the whole or any part of the area to 
which these rules apply shall be closed for the whole or 
any part of any year against all hunting or shooting or 
to the pursuit, capture or killing of any particular 
species of game as defined in section 2 of the Nilgiri 
Game and Fish Preservation Act, 1879, and notifica- 
tions thereunder. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF THE LICENSE 

I. General dose seasons For big game From the 
1st June to 31st October inclusive except in the Wenlock 
Downs Reserve in which there shall be no close season 
for big game. 

For small game From 15th March to 15th September 
inclusive. 

Note. " Game " is defined in section 2 of the Nilgiri Game 
and Fish Preservation Act, 1879, and notification thereunder, and 
does not include tigers, panthers, bears and wild pig. 



148 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

2. Area closed to all shooting. The Longwood 
Shola, Kotagiri. 

Note. The Longwood Shola is that portion of the Longwood 
reserve which lies to the west of a cleared line from the Kodanad' 
bridle-path to the Kodanad- Kotagiri road. 

3. Area closed to small game shooting. The 
Kundahs, as defined in rule No. 6. 

4. Area closed to Bison shooting :~ 

The Benne reserved and Mudumalai leased forests in 
the Nilgiri Wynaad. 

Note. The Benne reserved and Mudumalai leased forests are 
opened to bison shooting from 1st November 1915 to 31st May 
1916. Only one bison bull may be shot to each license. 

5. Certain areas closed to ibex shooting : 

(a) The ibex cliffs in the neighbourhood of Sholur, 
Tharnad and Glen Morgan. 

6. Certan areas closed to beating. -All beating 
except for tigers and panthers is prohibited in the follow- 
ing areas : 

(a) The Kundahs. 

Note. The boundary of the closed area is marked on the ground 
by posts and roughly speaking, protects from beating the Kundah 
reserve and additions, the Nilgiri Peak reserve and Porthimund 
reserve. 

(b) The following blocks at Kotagiri and Koda- 
nad : 

Block I. The Government reserved forests within 
the area bounded by Kotagiri- Kodanad road from its 
junction with the Kotagiri Ghaut road as far as Illada 
bazaar and by the Kotagiri -Kodanad bridle-path from 
Kotagiri to its junction with the Kodanad road at Illada 
bazaar. 

Block II. The Government reserved forests within 
the triangle formed by the Kotagiri- Kil- Kotagiri bridle- 
path, the Curzon- Kil- Kotagiri bridle-path and the Kota- 
giri -Kodanad road. 

Block III. The Government reserved forests lying 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 149 

between the Kotagiri-Kodanad road, the road from Illada 
bazaar to Curzon Estate and Kendoni kraal and the 
southern boundary of the Eastern slopes reserve. 

(a) The Government reserved forests in the neigh- 
bourhood of Ebbanad lying above the crest of 
the ghauts and between the Orange Valley stream 
on the east and the Ebbanad stream on the 
west. 

(d) The country between the Mukerti road and the 
Pykara road which includes the Karpakan 
Reserve and part of the Carriott Shola Reserve 
and is the whole of the catchment area of the 
Pykara west of that river and South of the 
Pykara Naduvattam Road. 

Note. When beating for tigers or panthers in the above areas 
no big nor small game may be fired at. 

7. Shooting of jungle hens. Is prohibited during 
the open season after December 31 throughout the 
area covered by the license. 

8. Collection of eggs. No one shall take the eggs 
of pea-hens or jungle hens at any time. 

9. Exotic game birds introduced by the Nilgiri 
Game Association. No game birds introduced by the 
Association shall be shot at, killed or captured within 
the area to which the rules apply. 

Note. Chukor and Sisi partridge have been introduced by the 
Association and require special protection. 

10. Nilgiri black Monkyes. No Nilgiri black mon- 
key shall be shot at, killed or captured within the area 
to which this license applies. 

11. Defiition of immature male The following de- 
finitions have been notified : 

A sambhur is denned as immature if neither of its 
horns measures thirty inches in length. 

A spotted deer is defined as immature if neither of its 
horns measures twenty-six inches in length. 

Note. The measurements shall be taken along the outer curve 
of the horn from the burr to the point. 



150 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

A bison is defined as immature if the span of its 
horns is less than thirty inches. 

Note. The measurement shall be taken horizontally between ( 
the outer edges of the horns at their widest spread. 

An ibex is defined as immature on which the saddle 
is not fully developed. 

An antelope is defined as immature if the length of 
its longest horn is less than fourteen inches. 

12. Surrender of heads of immature animals. The 
heads of all immature animals killed by license-holders 
must be sent to the office of the District Forest Officer, 
Ootacamund, and shall be confiscated to Government. 

13. Restrictions on small game shooting. 

(i) Shooting at small game between sunset and 
sunrise is forbidden. 

(ii) Small game shooting except in the Nilgiri- 
Wynaad and the Moyar and Bhavani valleys and on 
the slopes of the plateau is limited to two days a week. 
Note. Part of the day counts as a whole day under this con- 
dition ; 

14. Methods of beating 

(i) The number of dogs used for beating for small 
game shall not exceed twelve to each party. 

(ii) When beating for big game with more than 
twelve dogs, small game may not be fired at. 

15. Shooting for jungle sheep. The shooting of 
jungle sheep with shot is forbidden. 

16. Limit of bag. The number of big game shot 
by a license-holder in the course of a season in the case 
of the holder of a license for the whole season shall not 
exceed : 



Four sambhur stags. 
Four spotted deer stags. 
Six jungle sheep. 



Three antelope. 
One bison. 
One ibex. 



and in the case of the holder of a license for a period 
less than the whole season shall not exceed 



Two sambhur stags. 
Two spotted deer stags. 
Three jungle sheep. 



Two antelope. 

One bison or one ibex. 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 151 

Note. (i) The numbers above given include any females or 
immature males which may have been shot whether the shooting 
thereof has been penalized or not. 

(ii) The bag allowed under a license for the whole season shall 
be the maximum, irrespective of the number of licenses taken out, 

(iii) Sambhur stags shot in the Wenlock Downs Reserve will 
not be reckoned against the limit allowed. 

NOTES ON THE SHOOTING RULES 

1. A license costing Rs. 50 entitles the holder to 
shoot throughout the open season. 

2. A license costing Rs. 30 entitles the holder to 
shoot for one month following the date of issue. 

3. A monthly license after issue cannot be exchanged 
for a season's license. 

4. A holder of a monthly license may be granted 
fresh monthly licenses during the season on payment of 
Rs. 30 for each such license or may be granted a 
season's license on payment of the full fee of Rs, 50. 

5. In no case may the limit of bag given under rule 
15 of the season's license be exceeded by an individual, 
however many licenses are taken out by him. 

6. The holder of a season's license (Rs. 50) is 
entitled on application to procure free of charge from 
the District Forest Officer a license to fish for fish 
other than trout, in such waters and under such condi- 
tions as are detailed in the rules for fishing. 

7. Applications for shooting licenses should be made 
to the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris. 

No licenses can be issued in advance of payment. 
Cheques issued on other than the local branch of the 
Bank of Madras must include commission at the rate 
of Re. 1 per cent, without which they cannot be 
accepted. 

8. No shooting is permitted in advance of receipt of 
a license. Written applications for shooting licenses 
should be made at least a week in advance of the date 
on which the licenses are required. 

In the absence of the Collector and the District Forest 
Officer from Head Quarters, some delay in the issue of 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND 



shooting licenses will be avoided by payment of the fee 
into the treasury and the deposit of the receipt at the 
District Forest Office. , 

FISHING RULES 
Trout Fishing 

(a) No fishing for trout shall be permitted in any of 
the following waters except under license to be issued 
by the Collector of the Nilgiris. 

(i) The Pykara and its tributaries above the Pykara 
falls including the Krurmund stream, the Mekod 
stream below the Mekod waterfall, and the 
Mukerti stream. 
(ii) The Kundah river and its tributaries including ; 

the Avalanche and Emerald Valley streams. 
(iii) The Billithada halla and its tributaries and 
(iv) The Tiger hill reservoir. 

(6) Fishing for trout shall be permitted only 
between such dates in each year as the Collector may 
notify in the District Gazette. 

(c) No fishing for trout shall be permitted before 
6 a.m. and later than 7 p.m. 

(d) All fishing under such license shall be with 
artificial fly and on a single hook. Fishing with live or 
dead bait (including worms) and with artificial spinning 
bait is prohibited. 

(e) Every license-holder shall carry a disgorger. 
If any trout under eight inch in length is caught under 
cover of a license issued under these rules, it shall be 
returned to the water as quickly as possible. Any 
licensee found in possession of trout under eight inch in 
length shall be liable to the penalties prescribed. 

(/) Every license-holder shall after each occasion 
on which he fishes, send to the District Forest Officer, 
Ootacamund, a post card, of which a supply can be> 
obtained from that officer on application, giving a list of 
the trout killed and their weight, together with a note of 
the size of any trout under eight inches in length 
caught and returned to the water, 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 15$ 

(g) No license holder may take trout for the 
purpose of stocking private waters. All fish retained 
must be killed at the waterside. 
9. Other Fish 

In the following waters fishing for fish other than 
trout is permitted subject to the special rules hereinafter 
noted after each group of waters, 

(a) (i) the Pykara between the inflow of the 

Krurmund stream and the Pykara falls, 
(ii) The Ootacamund lake. 

RULES 

Fishing in the Pykara river in the above waters is 
permitted only with artificial fly, spoon, frog or paste on 
a single rod and line and on a license to be obtained 
from the Collector of the Nilgiris. Fishing in the 
Ootacamund lake with rod and line but not otherwise is 
permitted throughout the year without license. 

(6) (i) The Bhavani river with its tributaries (other 
than the Kundah river and its tributaries 
including the Avalanche and the Emerald 
Valley streams and the Billithada-halla and 
its tributaries) from its source down to the 
inflow of the Taimali stream below Niralai. 
(ii) The Moyar with such tributaries as are in the 
Nilgiri or the Coimbatore district between 
the Pykara falls and the Gazzalhatti 
chattram. 

(iii) The Siruvani and the Gopaneri rivers and 
their tributaries lying in the Malabar and 
the Coimbatore districts. 

RULES 

(1) Fishing in the above waters is permitted only on 
a license issued by the Collector of the Nilgiris. 

(2) The use of nets with a mesh less than three inch 
square the measurement being from knot to knot when 
the net is wet, is prohibited. 

(c) The following rules apply to all waters included 



154 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

within the area defined in rules 1 supra other than those 
included in rules 7 to 10 (b) supra. 

(1) All fishing is prohibited except under a license 
issued by the Collector of Nilgiris. 

(2) The use of nets with a mesh less than li inches 
square is prohibited, the measurement being from knot 
to knot when the net is wet. 

(3) The Collector may, by notification in the District 
Gazette, declare from time to time such waters or any 
portion of such waters closed to fishing, or may prohibit 
fishing for any particular species of fish in all or any 
such waters during any year or part of a year. 

LICENSES 

11. Licenses issued under the above rules shall not 
be transferable and shall be shown on demand to any 
Forest Officer, any Revenue Officer not below the rank 
of Revenue Inspector, or to any Police Officer not below 
the rank of Head Constable, or to the Inspector of 
Fisheries or any officer authorized by him in this behalf. 

The fee for a license for fishing for fish other than 
trout in the waters shall be Rs. 10 and in trout waters 
as specified above Rs. 25 for each season or part of a 
season. Provided that (a) when no close time is pre- 
scribed the season shall be held to run from the 16th Sep- 
tember to the 15th of the following September, both 
dates being inclusive, and (b) that the holder of a season's 
license to hunt and shoot under the Nilgiri Game Rules 
shall be entitled to the grant free of charge of such a 
license to fish on application to the District Forest 
Officer. Such license will remain in force for the 
unexpired period of the applicant's game license. 

(a) The fee for a license for fishing for trout and 
the number of fish which a licensee is entitled to kill 
shall be as follows : 

For the season Rs, 150 to cover 200 fish. 
For 1 month Rs. 75 to cover 100 fish. 
For 1 week Rs. 30 to cover 45 fish. 
For 1 day Rs. 5 to cover 7 fish. 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 155 

Daily licenses for fishing for trout will be issued at 
the Post Offices at Ootacamund, Aruvankadu, Welling- 
ton, Coonoor and Pykara on payment of the prescribed 
fees to the Post Masters concerned. Trout fishing 
licenses for longer periods and licenses to fish for fish 
other than trout will, as hitherto, be issued at the 
District Forest Office only on production of a Treasury 
receipt from any Government Treasury in the Nilgiri 
District for the fees payable therefor. 

NOTES ON THE FISHING RULES. 

TROUT FISHING 
I. Waters open to Fishing. 

The following waters have been stocked with trout : 

(a) The Billithada-halla. 

(b) The Kundah river and its tributaries, the 

Emerald Valley Stream and Avalanche 
Stream. 

(c) The Pykara and its tributaries, the Parson's 

Valley, Mekod, Krurmund and M u k e r t i 
streams.] 

(d) The lower Tiger Hill reservoir. 

(e) The Thiashola Stream. 
(/) The Peermund Stream. 

(g) The Bangy Tappal Stream. 
(h) The Yemmakkal Stream. 

^.Varieties of Trout 

All the above streams have been stocked with rainbow 
trout (S. irideus). Brown trout (S, Truttiis) have also 
been placed in the Billithada-halla. 

3. Closed Waters. 

The Parson's Valley stream is maintained as a 
reserved water closed to all fishing from its source to 
the waterfall situated close to the Krurmund bridle 
path. 

From this stream trout are yearly netted and distri- 
buted to other waters. 



156 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

The Thiashola, the Peermund, the Yemmakkal, the 
Bangi Tappal and the upper Billithada-halla from the 
waterfall above the Bangi Tappal crossing to its source 
are closed to all fishing until further notice. 

4. Carp in the Pykara. 

The Pykara from the falls to the entry of the Krur- 
mund stream is stocked with Malabar carp as well as 
with trout, the former may be killed by the holder of a 
trout -fishing license during the period to which the 
license applies without restriction regarding number or 
size of fish. 

5. Rules of Trout Fishing. 

(a) No fishing is permitted before 6 a.m. and later 

than 7 p.m. 

(b) Only artificial fly on a single hook may be 

used. 

(c) The license-holder must carry a disgorger. 

(d) All trout less than 8 inches in length must be 

returned to the water at once. 

(e) No trout may be taken for the purpose of 
stocking private waters and all fish retained must be 
killed at the water side. 

6. Close Season. 

The dates of opening and closing of trout fishing will 
be notified from to time time in the District Gazette and 
will be widely advertised. 

7. Report on Fishing. 

License-holders must after every occasion on which 
they fish send to the D. F. O., Ootacamund, a post card 
giving a list of the trout killed and their weight, to- 
gether with a note of the size of any trout under 8 inch 
in length or of any carp which have been caught and 
returned to the water. 

8. Exhibition of Licenses. 

Holders of fishing licenses are bound to exhibit their 
license on demand to any forest official, to the Inspector 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 157 

.of Fisheries or any of the Fish conservancy watchers, 
and to any of the other officials specified in the rules. 

9.- License Fees, 

The fees for trout fishing licenses are as follows : 
For the Season Rs. 150 to cover the capture of 

200 fish. 

one month Rs. 75 100 

one week 30 ,, 45 

one day ,, 500 ,, 7 ,, 

10. Issue of Licenses. 

The following rules govern the issue of trout-fishing 
licenses. 

(a) There is no limit to the number of licenses 
issued to any individual, but no more than 
200 trout can be killed by any license-holder 
during the season. 

(/;) Licenses cannot be exchanged and can only be 
issued for their full face value. 

(c) Every time-expired license shall be deemed to 

be exhausted whether the number of fish 
specified therein shall have been killed or 
not. 

(d) Licenses are not transferable and a licensee 

cannot kill fish on the strength of a license 
held by any other person. 

(e) Licenses for the season, for a month or 

for a week will be issued at the District 
Forest Office, Ootacamund, on all days other 
than Sundays and Government Gazetted 
holidays between the hours of 11 a.m. and 
5 p.m. 

(/) Persons desirous of obtaining a trout-fishing 
license other than a daily license should pay 
the license fee into any of the Government 
Treasuries in the Nilgiri District and pro- 
duce the receipt for the amount of the fee 
at the District Forest Office. 



158 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

(g) Daily licenses for trout-fishing can only be 

obtained at the following Post Offices : 
Ootacamund, Aruvankadu, Wellington, Coonoor and 
Pykara. 

(h) A daily license is only available for the day 
specified thereon and the date on the license 
cannot be altered subsequently. 
(*') No refund of daily trout-fishing license fee is 
permissible unless the license is sent to the 
District Forest Officer by registered post 
on a day prior to that for which the license 
was issued. 
II. Packets of Postcards. 

Packets of Postcards are sold at the District Forest 
Office. 

FISHINfi FOR MASHEER, LESSER CARP, Etc. 
1. Protected Waters. 

The following waters have been under fish conservancy 
for four or more years and the fishing therein is subject 
to the possession of a license for the whole or any part 
of the open season. 

(a) The Pykara from the Pykara Falls to the 
entry of the Krurmund stream. 

The river is stocked with Carp (Barbus Malabar icus) 
as well as with rainbow trout. Fishing for the former 
is permitted with artificial fly, spoon, frog or paste on a 
Rs. 10 license throughout the year. 

Any trout caught by the holder of a Rs. 10 license, 
who is not at the same time in possession of a trout 
fishing license must be returned to the water at once. 

(b) The Moyar and its tributaries from the Pykara 
falls to the Gazalhatti ch&ttram. 

Above the Moyar Falls, the river contains Carnatic 
carp (Barbus Carnaticus), and Malabar carp were intro- 
duced a few years ago. Below the falls in addition to 
Carnatic carp there are Mahseer (Barbus tor) and 
(Barbus mosal), Wallago (Wallago, attu) Murrel 
(Ophiccphalidoe) , etc. 



THE NILGIRI GAME ASSOCIATION 159* 

The clos e season runs from March 15 to September 
15. Below Gazalhatti there is no restriction on fishing 
and netting and no license is required. The fee for a 
license to fish in these waters is Rs. 25. 

(c) The Bhavani river and its tributaries, including 

the Gopaneri and Siruvani streams. 
The river contains Mahseer, Carnatic Carp, etc., and 
is protected as far down stream as the inflow of the 
Taimalai stream, which enters the Bhavani about 12 
miles south-west of Mettupalaiyam. 

The close season lasts from 15th March to the 15th 
September, inclusive. The fee for a license to fish in 
these waters is Rs. 25. 

Below the entry of Taimalai stream there is no restric- 
tion on fishing and netting, and no license is required. 

(cf) Fishing in the Ooty lake with rod and line but 
not otherwise is permitted throughout the 
year without license. 

The lake is fully stocked with Golden Tench and 
English Carp. 

2. Issue of Licenses. 

(a) Application for licenses should be made to the 
District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris. 

REWARDS FOR VERMIN 

The following Revised Scale of Rewards for the 
destruction of Vermin sanctioned at the Committee 
Meeting of the Nilgiri Game Association, held on the 
27th September, 1909, is republished for general inform- 
ation :- 

NAMES OF ANIMALS OK BIRDS. REWARDS 

RS A P 

Wild Dogs 15 By the 

Association and Rs. 10 by Government, 

Otters 10 

All Cats, Red Mongoose, and 

Orange Throated Marten ... 1 
Toddy Cat, Grey Mongoose ... 080 



160 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

RS A P 

Eagles, except Fishing and Serpent 
Eagles 100 

Falcons and Sparrow hawk ... 12 

Buzzards (excluding Honey 
Buzzard and Harriers, and 
Crow Pheasant 040 

2. Rewards will only be paid for otters destroyed in 
the vicinity of trout streams. 

3. Rewards will be paid for the above vermin by the 
Honorary Secretary at Ootacamund and, except in the 
case of wild dogs, by Mr. Harding- Pascoe, at Kulla- 
combai. 

4. The payment of rewards lies in the discretion of 
the above gentlemen who may refuse to grant a reward 
in any case in which it appears inadvisable to do so. 

5. No skins will be returned except under special 
circumstances. 

HODGSON'S HUT AT KRURMUND 

Mr. Hodgson has made a present of the Hut at 
Krurmund to the Nilgiri Game Association. The Hut 
was recently repaired and furnished by the Association. 
The Rules for the occupation of Hodgson's Hut at 
Krurmund are as follows : ~ 

Members of the Nilgiri Game Association and holders 
of a trout fishing license and any member of their 
families accompanying them are entitled to occupy 
Hodgson's Hut under the following rules and regulations. 

No persons shall be entitled to occupy the Hut for a 
period of more than three days, calculated from noon on 
the day of occupation, if the Hut is required by any one 
else entitled to occupy it. 

A register will be maintained at the District Forest 
Office, Ootacamund, in which gentlemen can register 
their names for use of the building. 

Gentlemen wishing to use the building are advised to 
inspect the register before proceeding to Krurmund or to 
write to the Head Clerk of the District Forest Office, 



THE NILGJRI GAME ASSOCIATION 161 

Ootacamund, at least a week in advance to ascertain 
whether the building is available. 

FEES 

A fee of Rs. 2 a head for a day or any part of a day 
will be paid by every one occupying the hut. Tents may 
be pitched without charge by any gentlemen paying for 
occupancy of the Hut and by others at a charge of Re. 1 
per diem if on the land belonging to the Nilgiri Game 
Association. 



BUNGALOWS AND REST-HOUSES 
IN THE NILGIRIS 

AVALANCHE 

(Fourteen miles from Ootacamund by cart track). 

BUILDING with plank walls and iron roof ; hall and 
two bed-rooms with bath-rooms, attached. Furnished 
with tables, chairs, and cots. A small amount of 
crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils ; kitchen, and stable 
for four horses. Maty and sweeper attached. No 
supplies locally procurable. 

Re. 1 for a single person per diem. Rs. 2 for a family, 
and As. 8 and Re. 1 respectively for a part of a day. 

KALHATTI 

(Nine miles from Ootacamund on Sigtir ghat road). 

Tiled building ; two bed-rooms furnished with tables, 
chairs and cots, small amount of crockery, cutlery and 
cooking utensils. Maty and sweeper attached. Kitchen 
and stabling for four horses. No supplies locally pro- 
curable. 

Re. 1 for a single person per diem. Rs. 2 for a family, 
and As. 8 and Re. 1 respectively for part of a day. 

PYKHARA 

(Twelve miles from Ootacamund on Gudalur road.) 

Tiled building ; hall, dining and three bed-rooms with 
bath rooms. Furnished with tables, chairs and cots, etc. 
A small amount of crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. 
Maty and sweeper attached. Kitchen and stabling for 
three horses. 



BUNGALOWS AND REST-HOUSES 16$ 

Re. 1 for a single person per diem. Rs. 2 for a 
family, and As, 8 and Re. 1 respectively for part of a 
day. 

NADUVATTAM 

(Twenty -one miles from Ootacamund on Gudalur road)* 

Tiled building; hall and two bed-rooms, with bath 
rooms. Furnished as above. Kitchen, and stabling for 
four horses ; also two coach godowns. Maty and sweeper 
attached. No supplies locally procurable. 

Re. \ per day for a single person and Rs. 2 for a 1 
family, and As. 8 and Re. 1 respectively for part of a 
day. 

MASINIGUDI 

(Eighteen miles from Ootacamund on the 

Sigur Ghat road). 

Tiled building ; two rooms and two bath-rooms. Fur- 
nished with tables, chairs, cots and a small amount of 
crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Maty and 
sweeper attached. Kitchen, and stabling for two horses. 
Re. 1 per day for a single person and Rs. 2 for a 
family, and As. 8 and Re. 1 respectively for part of a 
day. 

COONOOR 

(Near the Railway Station). 

Tiled building ; two rooms besides bath-rooms, one 
dining room, one store-room, one pantry, out-houses, 
kitchen, stables, etc., furnished with crockery, etc. f 
complete. 

As. 8 per day. 

BENHOPE 

(Hill Grove Siation on the Nilgiri Railway). 

Tiled building ; two rooms besides bath-rooms., One 
dining room, out-houses, kitchen, servants' quarters and 
stables, chairs, tables, lamps, etc., complete with crock- 
ery. 

As. 8 per day. . c 



164 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

GUDALUR 

(Thirty -one miles from Ootacamund on the 
Mysore road). 

Tiled building. One room and bath room. Furni- 
ture, cot, chairs and table and small amount of crockery 
utensils. Maty and sweeper. Cook-room and stable for 
three horses. 

Re. 1 for a single person per day, As. 8 for part of a 
day, Rs. 2 for a family per day and Re. 1 for part of a 
<iay. 

(iUDALUR 

(P.W.D. Bungalow). 

Three rooms with two bath-rooms. Furnished with 
tables, chairs and cots. Also has kitchen, stabling for 
three horses and a latrine. Roof tiled over corrugated 
iron. Cement floor and planked walls. 

As. 8 per day for private individuals. Free to Govern- 
ment servants travelling on duty. 

NADGHANI 

(Forty [miles from Ootacamund on the Kakur ghat 
road. Leading to Nilambur and Calicut.) 

Tiled building. Two rooms and two bath-rooms. 
Tables, cots and chairs, and small amount of crockery, 
cutlery, and cooking utensils. Only a watchman in 
charge. Kitchen and stabling for two horses. No sup- 
plies locally procurable. 

Re. 1 for a single person per day, As. 8 for part of a 
day, Rs. 2 for a family per day and Re. 1 for a family 
for part of a day. 

DEVALA 

(Forty -three miles from Ootacamund on the 
Gudalur- Vaitri road) . 

Tiled building ; two rooms and two bath-rooms. Fur- 
niture, cots, tables, chairs, and small amount of crock- 



BUNGALOWS AND REST-HOUSES 165 

ery, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Kitchen and two 
stalls. Maty in charge. 

Re. 1 for a single person per day. As. 8 for a single 
person for part of a day. Rs. 2 for a family per day and 
Re. 1 for a family for part of a day. 

NELLAKOTTAI 

(Ten miles from Gudalur on the Sultan's Battery road) . 

Tiled building. One room and bath-room. Kitchen 
and stabling for three horses, cot, tables and chairs. 
Peon in charge. Supplies procurable with difficulty. 

Re. 1 for a single person per day. As. 8 for a single 
person [for part of a day. Rs. 2 for a family per day 
and Re. 1 for family for part of a day. 

KUNDAH BRIDGE 

(Seventeen miles from Ootacamund by road). 

Tiled building. Inspection lodge, one small room 
only, cot, table and chair (not open to the public) . Na 
supplies locally procurable. 

CHERAMBADI 

(Sixty-two miles from Ootacamund on the 
Gudalur- Vaitri road) . 

Inspection lodge. Tiled building. Two small rooms 
with table, cot and chairs. Kitchen and stabling for 
two horses. Supplies procurable with difficulty. 

As. 8 for a single individual. 



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Gold and Silversmiths 
Diamond Merchants 

Dealers in 

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Manufacturers of 

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Motor* Engineers 

MADRAS, OOTACAMUND AND SECUNDERABAD 



By special warrant of appointment 
to H. M. The KING-EMPEROR 



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Governor of Madras 



Beg to remind Motorists visiting the Hills that they have a 
Branch 'Establishment replete with up-to-date machinery, 
and a large staff of skilled mechanics under the supervision 
of English experts and can undertake any class of rebuilding 
or repairs to any make of car. A special staff being kept 
to deal with FORD and other American Cars and a large 
and comprehensive stock of spare parts for these cars are 




held. Large and varied stocks of Tyres, Oils, Greases, 
Accessories- and Spare Parts are kept on hand and Peons 
are on duty Day and Night for supplying Petrol Oils and 
Greases. 

Modern Cans for hire at Moderate Rates 

Branch: GARDEN ROAD, OOTACAMUND 

Telegrams: 'SIMPSONS', OOTY Telephone No. 3 



OFFICIAL DIRECTORY 



OOTACAMUND 

Administrative 

'Collector. A. R. Knapp, i.c.s. 

Revenue Divisional Officer. C. F. Brackenbury, i.c.s. 

Treasury Deputy Collector. W. S. Marshall. 

Coll.'s Sheristadar. T. S. Srenivasa Iyer. 

Head Clerk.]. R. Daniel Pillay. 

District Forest Officer. R. D. Richmond. 

Range Officer. H. Myers. 

District Medl. and Sany. Officer. Major J. J. Robb, I.M.S. 

Land Records Deputy Tahsildar.V . Subbiah, B.A. 

Revenue Taluk Dy. Tahsildar.K. Laksmana Iyer. 

Sub-Registrar. J. A. F. Vas. 

Magisterial 

District Magistrate. A. R. Knapp, i.c.s. 
Sessions Judge. D. G. Waller, i.c.s. 
Additional Sessions Judge. A. R. Knapp, i.c.s. 
Divisional Magistrate.- C. F. Brackenbury, i.c.s. 
Deputy Magistrate. W. S. Marshall. 
Taluq Sub-Magistrate. K. Lucksmana Iyer. 
Honorary Bench. Chairman, Col. K. F. Stevenson. 
Ex-officio. C. F. Brackenbury, i.c.s. 

Members. C. S. Simpson, G. Whitton Brown, F. E. G. Bush, Captains 
C. R. Hardy and E. Lynn. 

Judicial 

Subordinate Judge. P. C. Lobo, Barrister-at-Law . 
Sheristadar. T. S. Radhakrishna Iyer, B.A., u.L. 
Village Munsiff. T. S. Kannusamy Pillay. 

Ninth (Secunderabad) Divisional Headquarters 

^Commander. Major-General Sir A. Phayre ; Captain C. Hemsley, 64th 
Pioneers. 

General Staff, Lt.-Col. R. A. Bright, R.A. (tempy.), G.S.O., 1st Grade ; 
Major K. E. Nangle, 88th Infantry (tempy.), G.S.O., 2nd Grade ; 
Captain W. Paget-Tomlinson, 7th Hussars (tempy.), G.S.O.. 2nd Grade. 

Administrative, Technical and Departmental Staff. Major B. C. Kauntz, 
86th Infantry (tempy.), D.A.A.G. ; Major K. E. Nangle (tempy.) Ag. 
A.Q.M.G. ; Col. R. T. R. Laurence, c.R.E. ; Lieut.-Col. C. Ainslie, 
R.E. (offg,) ; Col. E. A. Gayer, S. & T. Corps, Assistant Director of Sup- 
plies and. Transport ; Surgeon-General T. M. Corker,, Depy. Director, 
Medical Services ; Major W. W. Browne, R.A M.C., Depy. Assistant 
Director, Medical Services (Sany.) ; Captain A. A,. McNeight, I.M.S., 
Deputy Assistant Director, Medical Services (Mobn) 



168 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Nilgiri Game Association 

President. A. R. Knapp, i.c.s. 
Honorary Secret ary.-^-R. D. Richmond. 
Fish Conservator. H. C. Wilson. 

P. W. Engineering Department 

Nilgiris Sub-Division. Under Coimbatore Division, Executive Engineer. 
Assistant Engineer. E. E. Price. 
Supervisor. S. R. Sambasiva Iyer. 
Overseer. Sergt. F. P. Haig. 

Government House Division 

Executive Engineer. T. P. Dillon, Head-quarters, Madras. 
Supervisor. V. Nataraja Mudaliar. 
Overseer. Sergt. W. S. Foster. 

Nilgiri Volunteer Rifles 

Commandant and Adjutant. Major W. Ward, v.n. 
Sergeant-Major. Sergt. -Major C. W. McLagan. 

Office of the Registrar of the Diocese 

Registrar. F. Rowlandson, B.A., LL.B. 

Marriage Registrar 

Registrar. C. S. Simpson. 

Lawley Institute 

Joint Secretaries. P. C. Lobo and P. M. Sathasiva Mudaliar. 

Inspector-General of Prisons' Office 

Inspector-General. E. H. Gadsden. 
Manager. Rao Sahib E. R. Adiappa Pillay. 
Head Accountant. C. M. Anthonimuthu Pillay. 

Police 

District Superintendent. E. B. Loveluck. 

Inspectors. Norman Mitchell (Ootacamund) , J. F. Wilkins (Coonoor). 

European Sergeant. D. Reilly (Ootacamund). 

Ootacamund Municipal Council 

Chairman. E. F. Handcock. 

Councillors. The Hon'ble E. F. Barber, Mr. S. J. Gonsalves, Col. Gayeiv 
Major J. J. Robb, I.M.S., The Rev. H. A. D. Moorhouse, H. E. Browne* 
T. M. Arumugam Pillay and C. Venkataswamy Pillay. 

Manager. M. Santappayya. 

Head Clerk. A. P. Samu Iyer. 



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light of 1 00 candle-power. Nosmoke, 
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instruct your servant. Burns petrol 
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Thirty styles to choose from. Thou- 
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Halls, Temples, Private Bungalows, 
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Can be fitted with fancy coloured 
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Pens, Watches and many useful lines. 



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This hotel is most centrally situated, 
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OWNERS fi? MANAGERS 


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DIRECTORY OOTACAMUND RESIDENTS 



169 



Health Officer. Civil Assistant Surgeon, T. R. Rajaratnam Pillay, M.B.C.M. 

Supervisor of Works. M. Appavu Pillay. 

Overseer. H..W. Gilbert. 

Superintendent of Water Woks. N. Sanjeeva Ran. 

Nilgiri District Board 

President. A. R. Knapp, J.c.s. 
V ice-President. 
Engineer. D. Daniel, B.E. 

Nilgiri Agri-Horticultural Society 

President. A. R. Knapp, i.C.s. 
Honorary Secretary. F. H. Butcher. 

Practising Barristers, Solicitors and Pleaders 

Mr. A. S. Cowdell, Barrister-at-Law , Mr. F. Rowlandson, B.A., LL.B,, 
Messrs. Edge and Genge, Messrs. Walker and Graham, Messrs. Gontalves 
and Gonsalves, Messrs. L. W. Schmidt, LL.B., E. S. S. Patamali, 
B.A., B.L., C. S. Cheluva Iyer, B. Rama Row and T. M. D'Rozaricfr. 



OOTACAMUND RESIDENTS 



Alix, Mr. L. 

Antram, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. 

Atkins, Mrs. and Miss M. 

Atkins, Mrs. H. 

Atkinson, Mr., Mrs. and Miss S. 



The Nest. 
Somerdale. 
Melrose. 

Fernwood Cottage, 
Hawthorne. 



Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. 

Baker, Miss 

Baker, Mrs. C. H. 

Baker, Major- General and Mrs. 

Balacoomaroo, Mr. K. M. 

Baldrey, Mrs. M. 

Baldrey, Mr. and Mrs. F. 

Baldrey, Mr. and Mrs. R. G. 

Barclay, Miss 

Barber, Hon'ble Mr. and Mrs. E. F. 

Beath, Mr. David and Mrs. 

Biolley, The Rev. Father C. 

Bird, Miss 

Bishop, Miss 

Boesinger, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. 

Bower, Miss E. M. 

Bowen, Mrs. 

Browne, Mr. and Mrs. H- E. 

Brown, Mr. C. Whitton 

Buckner, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. 

Burke, Mr. and Mrs. W. 

Burr, Miss M. E. 



The Hut. 
Clifton Grange. 
Spring Elm. 
Prospect Lodge. 
Snowdon Cottage. 
Blenheim. 
Garden Villa. 
Blenheim. 
Kundah House- 
Percy Lodge. 
King's Cliffe. 
St. Mary's Church. 
Glenellis. 
Willowlea. 
Highland Farm. 
Eastbourne. 
Clifton Grange. 
Devonshire House. 
Fox How. 
Bramley Hyrst. 
Cranley Lodge. 
Eastbourne. 



170 



NILQIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Burrows 

Bush, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. G. 
Butcher, Miss M. E. 
Butcher, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. 



Lovedale 
Ayrdale. 
Carass. 
Government Gardens 



Callow, Miss M. A. 
Campion, Mrs. 
Campbell, Mr- and Mrs. D. 
Cardis, Mr. and Mrs. J. 
Chaves, Capt. and Mrs. I. 
Chakona, Mr. A- 
Clarke, Mrs. F. K. 
Clementson, Mrs. M. 
Clementson, Mrs. F. A. 
Closson, Mr. J. 
Collins, Mrs. W. 
Collins, Mr. and Mrs. H. 
Collins, Miss 

Copcutt, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. 
Corker, Surgeon-General T. M. 
Cowdell, Mr. A. S. 
Cross, Mrs* and Miss M. 
Cruickshank, Mrs. W. 

D 

Daniels, Miss A. E. 

Davidson, Hon'ble, Mr. and Mrs. L. 

Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Rehling 

Decosta, Miss B. 

De Cataret, Mrs. 

Descubes, Mr. and Mrs. A. 

Doughty, Capt. and Mrs. W. 



Rosemount. 
Havelock House. 
Meadowbank. 
Lovedale. 
Gwynfern. 
Mount Pleasant. 
Glenfruin. 
Aucklands. 

Lovedale. 
St. Patrick's. 
Emerald Valley. 
Clouds Rest. 
Waterfield. 
Centre Hotel. 
Bramley Lodge. 
Burnside. 
Abottsford. 



Dunmere. 
The Terrace. 
Mowbray Cottage. 
Western Lodge. 
Lupin Villa. 
Bijou Cottage. 
Col worth. 



Edge, Mrs. 
Edge, Mr. S- V. 
Edwards, Miss E. 
Elwes, Mrs. W. W. 
Elliot, Mr. 
Ellis, Col. and Mrs. 
Everett, Mr. J. A. 



Lovedale. 
The Laurels. 
Lovedale. 
Rolston. 
Happy Villa. 
Sheclden House. 
The Armoury. 



Farrell, Miss 
Fewkes, Mr. and Mrs. B. 
Field, Mrs. G. D. 
Flanagan, Mrs. C. C. 
Forbes, Miss 
Forkgen, Mrs. 
Fountain, Mr. E. C. 
Foubert, The Rev. Father 
Frederic, Miss 
Frost, Mrs. 



Balfour Cottage. 

Sunnyside- 

Glenellis. 

Ernadoone. 

Lushington Hall. 

Lovedale. 

Bon Espoir. 

St. Mary's Church. 

Mowbray. 

Bon Espoir. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



'WILLIE BURKE' 

ARTIST IN PHOTOGRAPHY 

To H.E. LORD PENTLAND, p.c , GCI.E, (iOVF.RNOR OF MADRAS 

STUDIOS 

at MADRAS, OOTACAMUND & COONOOR 



PORTRAITS . 

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY . 
ENLARGEMENTS 

PICTURE FRAMING . 
AMATEURS 

ENLARGING 

KODAK FILMS, PLATES & 
PAPERS 

MOUNTS NATURE PAPERS 



Unique in styles Sepia 
Sketch, etc. Printed in 
any Medium preferred. 

Groups Horses, Residences 
--etc. 

Sepia and Black and White 
any size perfectly exe- 
cuted and artistically 
finished. 

Speciality -Choice Mould- 
ings, expert framer anti- 
poochee backs. 

Your developing and printing 
most perfectly handled 
expeditiously. 

Your films and plates en- 
larged most successfully. 

Stocked at all three Studios, 
perfectly fresh and good. 

A line selection all colors. 



POST CARD VIEWS OF THE NILGHERRIES AND 
SOUTH INDIA ALWAYS READY. 

N.B. Sittings by appointment only. 

WILLIE BURKE* 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



The Fir Grove Hotel 

OOTACAMUND 



FIVE MINUTES WALK FROM THE RAILWAY STATION 

' ^X^ '^ 




Replete with Every Comfort 

More a Private Home than a Hotel 

Under the Superintendence of the Proprietors 

LOVELY GARDENS 

Situated in the most central part of Ootacamund 
near the Church, Library, Post and Telegraph Office 



FOR TERMS APPLY TO THK PROPRIKJ'OKS 

The Fir Grove Hotel 

OOTACAMUND 



DIRECTORY OOTACAMUND RESIDENTS 



171 



G 

Gadsden, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. 

Gahan, Mr. and Mrs. C. 

Galletti, Mr. and Mrs- 

Gasson, Mr. 

Gayer, Col. and Mrs. E. A. 

Cell, MissC. M. 

Genge, Mr. H. A. P. 

Gill, Mrs. 

Gomes, Miss 

Gonsalves, Mr. and Mrs- S. J- 

Graham, Mr. H. J. 

Grey, Miss L. 

Green. Mr. H. S- 

Grover, Miss 

H 

Haden, Miss 

Haden, Mrs. 

Hadfield, Messrs. E. and G. 

Haighes, Miss 

Handcock, Mr. and Mrs. E. F. 

Hardy, Capt. and Mrs. C- R. 

Harman, Mrs. and Miss G. Bower 

Harman, Doctor 

Harman, Miss M- E- 

Harriet, Sister 

Heath, Mr. and Mrs. 

Heeramnaeck, Miss D. 

Hemsley, Capt. 

Hill. Mr. and Mrs. R. C. 

Hodson, Miss 

Holton, Capt. and Mrs- W. H. 

Hopwood, Mr. E- 



Burnside, de Winton Road. 

Stoneleigh. 

Snowdonfell. 

Government House- 

Clopton. 

Woodcot- 

Redcliffe. 

Ashley Cottage. 

Sailing Cottage. 

Heathfield. 

Woodcock House. 

Bon Espoir. 

Clarenden Hall. 

Dun mere- 

Auckland. 
Lambsknow . 
Woodcock Cottage. 
Willowlea. 
Harrington Lodge. 
Myrtle Villa. 
De Lisle House. 
G lenburn. 

St. Hildas. 
Hill View. 
Ayrdale. 

Lushington Hall. 
Railway Quarters. 
Western Lodge. 
Loveclale. 
Farley- 



Illgen, Mrs. A. H. 
Imray, Miss C. 
Imray, Mr. C. 
Irwin, Mr. and Mrs- H. 
Irvine, Mr. A. E. 
Ismay, Lady B. 

J 

Jackman, Mrs. 
Janes, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. 
Jennings, Mr. and Mrs- St. James 
Johnston, Mrs. 



Leslie Cottage. 
Western Lodge. 
Western Lodge. 
Lock End. 
Holbern. 
Caerlaverock. 



Western Lodge. 
Cheerful Cottage. 
Dodabetta, St. James- 
Lovedale. 



Kama, Mr. K. R. 

Kauntze, Major and Mrs- B. C. 

Keary, Mrs. A. 

Kember, Mrs. M. 

Kenny, Conductor R. 

Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. J. 

Knopp, Miss 

Knop, Misses 



Royal Hotel- 
St. Ives. 

Shoreham Hotel. 
Cottissa. 
Woodburn. 
Lovedale. 
Bergheim* 
Sevenoaks. 



172 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTOY 



Lake, Mr. and Mrs. 

Lalkaka, Mr. C. J. 

Lambert, Mrs. G. 

Langleat, The Rev. Father 

Leach, Mr. and Mrs. 

Leach, Mrs. E. 

Leggati, Miss G. 

Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Charles 

Liardet, Mr. H- N. 

Light, Sergt.-Major W. H. 

Lillywhite, Mr. W. M. 

Ling, Miss 

Listen, Mr. F. 

Littlewood, Mrs. 

Littlewood, Mrs. A. C. 

Lloyd, Miss 

Loasby, The Rev. and Mrs. H. C. 

Lobo, Mr. and Mrs. P. C. 

Locke, Mr. R. C. P. 

Loveluck, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. 

Lynn, Capt. and Mrs. 

M 

Macdougall, Mrs. J. L. M. 

Mackie, Mrs. 

Mackie, Mr. 

Mackie, Mrs. R. F. 

Mergler, Miss 

Marshall, Mrs. 

Maunsell, Mrs. 

Mayes, Mrs. 

McDonald, Miss 

Mcl-ragan, Sergt.-Major and Mrs. 

McLeish, Mr., Mrs. and Misses N. 

McLaine, Mr. and Mrs. 

Meade, Mrs. 

Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Norman 

Minchin, Mr. C. F. 

Moberly, Mr. and Mrs. H. 

Moorhouse, Rev. and Mrs. H. A. D. 

Morey, Mrs. 

Morden, Mr. B. A. 

Marsden, Mr. and Mrs. A. Peploe 

Moris, Mrs. B. M. 

Muddle, Sergt. and Mrs. 



N 



Nangle, Major K. E. 
Newell, Miss 

O 

Oakes, Mr. and Mrs. George 
O'Neil, Mrs. E. 
Onslow, Col. and Mrs. R. C. 
Osborne, Mrs. M, B. 



Billicul. 

Royal Hotel, 

Lovedale. 

Bell Vue. 

Dean Cottage. 

The Kennels. 

Kempstowe. 

Sunset View. 

Kempstowe. 

Lovedale. 

Llangollen. 

Dunmere. 

Government House. 

Cheerful Cottage. 

Lambsknow. 

St. Hildas. 

Rossmoyne. 

Roadside. 

Assembly Rooms. 

Woodcock Lodge. 

Glenrock. 



Lower Stellenburg. 
Harrington Lodge. 
Sevenoaks. 
Bergheim. 
Mowbray. 

Bailey Brack. 

Oakend. 

Bell Vue. 

Armoury Cottage. 

Sevenoaks. 

Montauban. 

Fernwood. 

Mona Cottage. 

Ibex Lodge, Pykara. 

Sedgemore. 

Cottissa. 

Sydenham. 

Romana. 

Glenluce. 

Spring Glen. 

Lovedale. 



Westward Ho. 
Glen Kelso. 



Downham Farm. 
Glanton Lodge. 
Stoneridge. 
Kundah House. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



Westward Ho, oolacumund 



(Open all the year round) 



This Private Boarding Establish- 
ment is situated in the mo& healthy 
part of the Elation on the edge of the 
Moors and Golf Course. 

It is fitted throughout with Electric 
Light. 

It has its own Dairy of English 
Cows and Poultry Farm 



Terms on application 
To the Proprietor, 
Mr. T. PARDEY. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



HILL GROVE HOTEL, Coonoor 



HILL GROVE HOTEL has been for over thirty years renowned for its 
line physical situation ; for its beautiful Gardens, Tennis Courts, 
and lovely vistas of surrounding scenery ; and for its perfect quiet 
and home-like comforts. It is entirely under European supervision 
and management, and has often been said to be the best Knglish 
Hotel in Incha a remark that is justified by the class of patronage 
it has al \vays enjoyed. 

AS A FAMILY HOTEL it possesses many advantages that are perhaps 
unique. Private Suites of Rooms are arranged as independent 
bungalows, each with its own Sitting Room and Private Table. 
Thus all the privileges of a home are enjoyed without any of the 
cares of house-keeping. 

TABLE D'HOTE ACCOMMODATION is provided for m two fine blocks 
of rooms- one of which has just been completed which contain 
single and double bedrooms, with or without dressing rooms, 
and which are so arranged in the new block that any combination 
of intercommunicating rooms is made possible. 

THE PUBLIC ROOMS include a commodious Dining Room, with in- 
dividual Party Tables ; a large Drawing Room ; and a Writing 
Room which has been recently added in the new block. Spacious 
verandahs adjoin all rooms. 



Extract from 'THE EMPRESS/ 2nd February, 1908 

(Article unsolicited and Correspondent unknown to Proprietor) 

' I went over Hill Grove Hotel yesterday and was much struck with the 
comfort of the Private Suites of Rooms and the homely arrangements so well 
thought out by the Proprietor. This special building is close to the Club 
and Gymkhana, and is surrounded by a garden of beautiful flowers and 
scenery/ 

FOR TERMS APPLY TO THE PROPRIETOR 



DIRECTORY OOTACAMUND RESIDENTS 



173 



Padfield, Rev. and Mrs. W. H. G. 
Paget-Tomlinson, Capt. and Mrs. W. 
Palmer, Miss 
Palmer, Mr. F. 
Pardey, Mr. and Mrs. T. 
Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. R. 
Parry, Mr. J. P. 
Park, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. 
Patient. Mr. T. 
Pattamally, Mr. 
Paul, MissN. 
Peacey, Miss 
Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. A. 
Phayre, Sir Arthur and Lady and the 

Misses 

Power, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. 
Price, Messrs. A. & S. 
Price, Capt. and Mrs. E. E- 
Prince, Capt. and Mrs. R. C. D. 



Lovedale. 
Lynton. 
Sedgemoor. 
Happy Villa. 
Westward Ho . 
Highbury. 
The Highlands. 
Post Office Quarters. 
Montauban. 
View Charming. 
Dunmere. 

Lovedale. 

Lushington Hall. 
The Nest. 
Daisy Bank. 
Lower Stellenberg. 
Lovedale. 



Ramshaw, Mr. W. R. 

Regal, Miss 

Rehling, Mrs. G. C. 

Reilly, Sergt. and Mrs. 

Rennick, Mrs. A. de C. 

Reynolds, Mrs. 

Reynolds, Mrs. H. L. 

Richtor, Mr. George 

Richtor, Mr. A. F. 

Richmond, Mr. R. D- 

Robertson, Mr. A. 

Rogers, Leslie, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. 

Roland, Mr. A. 

Rolfe, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. 

Rolfe, Mr., Mrs. and Miss R. H. 

Ross, Mr. A. M. 

Rowlandson, Mr. and Mrs. F. 

Rowson, Mr. and Mrs. 



Lovedale. 
Church Chambers. 
Blenheim. 
Jail Hill Cottage. 
Martynabbetts. 
Greenway Manor. 
Machurst. 
Charing Cross. 
Charing Cross. 
Yeatton Lodge. 
Charing Cross. 
Shamrock Lodge. 
Baikie House. 
Hawthorne. 

Chisle Hurst. 

Lauriston. 

Glen Morgan, Pykara. 



Schnarre, Mr. 
Seton-Smith, Mr. and Mrs. 
Short, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. 
Shortland, Mr. M. 
Shortt, Mrs. R. D. 
Sidney Smith, Miss 
Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. 
Sisters of the Church 
Sloan, Miss J. C. 
Smith, Mrs. H. A. J. 
Smith, Miss 

Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. 
Smith, Mrs. W. E. 
Smith, Sergt. and Mrs. W. 



Shoreham Hotel. 
Loneleigh. 
Norfolk Cottage. 
9th Division Office. 
Fernwood. 
Summer House. 
Cranley House. 
St. Hildas. 
Sailing Cottage. 
Happy Villa. 
Sunset View. 
Chantilly. 
Warrigal. 
Lovedale. 



174 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Sprowles, Miss. 

Starech. Miss 

Stevenson, Col. and Mrs. Kenlis, F. 

Stewart, Mrs. F. 

Stokoe, Mr. W. 

Stonehewer, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. 



Lovedale. 

Lupin Villa. 

Birdwood- 

Lower Stellenberg. 

Lakeside. 

Frome Lodge. 



Theobald. Mr. and Mrs- W. M. 
Tomlinson, Mr. and Mrs. James J- 
Tothill, Mr. and Mrs. 
Trousse, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. 



Clifton Grange 
Sidmont. 

Riching's, Lovedale, 
Dulce Domum . 



Vanlngen, Mr. and Mrs. 
Vedamuthu, Rev. S. 
Vas, Messrs. J. A. F. and A- E. C. 
Venis, Misses D. 

W 

Walker, Mrs. T. 

Walker, Mr. S. A. 

Wallace, Mrs. M. and Mr. H. 

Wallis, Miss M. E- 

Ward, Major W. 

Watts, Miss M. M. 

West, Mrs. 

White, Mr. and Mrs. 

Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs- A. P. 

Williams, Mrs. 

Wilson, Mrs W. B. 

Wilson, Mr. J. V. 

Wimberly, Lt.-Col. 



Blackwood Cottage. 
Church Hill Cottage, 
Fern Cottage. 
Orient Cottage. 



Farley. 

Woodcock House. 
Lovedale. 
The Hospital. 
Thome Lodge. 
Clifton Grange. 
Wattle Grange. 
Lovedale. 
Dunford. 
Hill View. 
Mountain View. 
Alexandra Cottage, 
The Club. 



Young, Mr. and Mrs. M. 



Havelock House. 



COONOOR 

DIRECTORY OF RESIDENTS 



Ainslie, Lieut.-Col. (R.E.) 
Amesbury, Miss 
Andrews, Mr., Mrs. and Miss 
Angela, The Rev. Mother 
Anthoniz, Col. and Mrs. 
Aspinwall, Mrs. 
Atkinson, Miss 
Atkinson, Mrs. F. 



Redbrook. 

Uplands. 

Gray's Cottage. 

St. Joseph's Convent. 

Lighwood. 

Cairnsfoot- 

Hebron. 

Ashford. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



'THE AMULET' 
GLARE PROTECTOR 

('Protected in England and India by His Majesty'* Royal Letters Patent.) 

With neutral tinted Lenses. 



Price, 



For 




BACK VIEW 

(Showing Detachable Ear Adjustments) 
With neutral tinted Lenses and opaque side pieces 
Amber tinted Lenses and side pieces 
Raysophyil 



Ks. 6 
15 
15 



The neatest and most comfortable Pince-Nez for protecting 

the Eyes from the dangerous Tropical Sun. 

As necessary to the Traveller as his Topee 

SOLE INVENTORS AND PATENTEES 

LAWRENCE & MAYO 

Manufacturing Opticians, Admiralty Chart Agents and Contractors 
to His Majesty's Government 



Illustrated Catalogue of Surveying, Mathematical, Optical and 
Scientific Instruments and sample book oi Drawing Office Requisites, 
post free on application. 



Head office: 19 NEW OXFORD STREET, LONDON 

Offices in the East :- 
Cairo, Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Simla, Madras and Rangoon 



New STRINGS fot Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, 
Double- Bass, Banjo and Mandoline. 

PIANOLAS AND PIANOLA PIANOS IN STOCK. 

The Price of a New Pianola, including \1 Rolls of 
Music is Rs. 700. Used Pianolas and Aerohas in sound 
order at Rs. 350 and Rs. 400. 

L 
ftft f * ftft * "*""" innrf inni iftni 



ADVERTISEM KNTS 
r- lAAf- iftftr- iftfti iftnr infti iflftf^ iOOJ=T| 

o ** 

Established 1842 

MI5QUITH & CO. 

Importers of Pianos 

MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC, AND MUSICAL 
INSTRUMENTS OF ALL KINDS .'. 

Sole Agents for all the Leading Piano Makers in the World. 



OOTACAMUND BRANCH: Orient Buildings 
COONOOR BRANCH : Near Post Office 



NEW PIANOS especially selected for the Season on 
Sale or for Hire at the Branches. 

Classical, Modern and Popular Pianoforte Music, by 

Beethoven, Mozkowski, Chopin, Chammade and other 
composers. * 

Latest Popular Songs at Rs. 1 -6 each 

Six Penny Novelties and latest Comic Annuals. 



DIRECTORY COONOOR RESIDENTS 



175 



Barabaya, Mrs. M. E. 

Barden, Mr. and Mrs. 

Bartleet, Miss M. (Q.A.M.N.S.I. Retd.), 

Bean, Mr. 

Bear, Misses 

Bechu, The Rev. L. 

Bedlear, Miss 

Bonnett, Mrs. 

Binney, Mr. H. C. 

Bevan, Miss 

Bishop, Miss A. S. 

Boesinger, Mr. S. 

Booker, Miss 

Brady, Mr. and Mrs. 

Briand, The Rev. 

Brook, Mr. E. A. 

Brotherton, Mrs. 

Brougent, Mrs. 

Brown, Mrs. 

Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. 

Brown, Mr. A. A. 

Brown, Miss M. 

Brown, Mr. S. C. 

Brown, Miss S. M. 

Brown, Mr. W. M. 

Burgess, Mr. F. G. 

Butcher, Miss 



Twin Cottage. 

Winston, Mt. Pleasant. 

Peach Cottage. 

Northfield House. 

Hanson Hotel. 

R.C. Church. 

Mullanure. 

The Chalet. 

Briarly. 

Hampton. 

Queen's Hill. 

Bedford Buildings. 

Holmwood. 

Railway Quarters. 

St. Joseph's College. 

Tenneriff View. 

Mullanoor. 

Brooklands. 

Lawley Hospital- 

Carolina. 

Glendale. 

Carolina. 

Nonsuch Estate. 

Carolina. 

Glenview Hotel. 
Ochtertyre. 



Carroll, Mr. W 

Carroll, Dr. and Mr. C. R. 

Carroll, Mr. R 

Chaplin, Miss E. 

Clarke, Mr. A. 

Cole, Captain Went worth, R. N. 

(Retd.) and Mrs. 
Coleman, Mr. Geo. H. 
Congreve, Mrs. 
Conrad, Mr. J. 
Corbet! , Miss 
Cornwall, Mrs. R. B. 
Cornwall, Lieut-Col. I. M.S., and Mrs. 

J W 

Cowdery, Mrs. C. 
Coyle, Miss E. 

Coyne, Mr. and Mrs 
Craven, Mr. and Mrs. S. 
Gumming, Miss E. 
Cunningham, Miss 

D 

Dale, Mrs. 

Dall, The Rev. and Mrs. H. F. 
Dashe, Mr. and- Mrs. H. 
Dashe, Miss V. 



T. Stanes & Co., 
Buena Vista. 

Hebron. 
Mount Road. 

Culford. 
Nenagh. 
Blair Athol. 
The Retreat. 
Milntown. 
Daisy Bank- 

Westclitfe. 
Erin Cottage. 
Missionary Rest Home, 

lands. 

Mt. Pleasant. 
Blythe View. 
Hebron. 
Milntown. 



Sunnyside. 
Fernwood Lodge. 
Myrtle Cottage. 



Brook- 



176 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Dashe, Mr. and Mrs. J. 
Dawes, Mr. and Mrs. W. 
Dawes, Mrs. 
Dawson, Mrs. Royal 
Dawson, Miss E. Royal 
Doll, Mr. J. 

Donaghue, Mr. and Mrs. 
Donaghue, Misses 
Donnison, Mr. J. E. 
Doran, Mr., Mrs. and Miss 
Dowden, Col. and Mrs. 
Dover, Mr. W. S. 
Downing, Mr. A. K. W. 
Downie, The Rev. and Mrs. D. 
D'Silva, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. 



Rokeby. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
Droog View. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
Dawescroft. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
Sylvan Cottage. 

Bedford Buildings. 
Massabielle- 
Strath earn. 
Teddington. 
Frith Hall Estate. 
Bijou Cottage. 
Brooklands Cottage. 



Eagan, Mr. and Mrs. J. 

Eagan, Mr. J. S. C. 

Eagan, Mr. and Mrs. T. 

Eagan, Misses G. and E. 

Ealing, Mr. A. 

Eaton, Dr. and Mr. E. B. 

Edge, Mr. and Mrs. W. 

Edwards, Mrs. 

Elles, Mr. J. C. 

Elkington, Mr. and Mrs. D. 

Eltzholtz, Miss J. 

Elwin, Mr. 

England, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. 



Hill Grove Hotel. 
Rocklands- 

Mt. Pleasant. 

Stillbrook. 

Rose Cottage. 

Twin Cottage. 

Local Fund Bangalow. 

Ibex Lodge. 

Belmont. 

Stalesfield. 

Engledene. 



Farrell, Major and Mrs. R. G. 
Farrell, Mr. E. C. 
Fawcett, Mrs. 
Fenwick, Mr. R. W. 
Fernandes, Dr. A. S. 
Fitzgerald, Mr. C. C. 
Ford, Miss A. 
Fuller, Mr. W. H. 
Fuller, Mr. W, C. 

G 

Gearing, Mr., Mrs., and Miss 
Gore, Miss O. M. 
Grant, Miss M. 
Gray, Mr. and Mrs. C. 
Gray, Mr. and Mrs. J. 
Grey, Mr. and Mrs. Norman 
Groves, Mrs. and Misses F. W. 
Groves, Mrs. and Miss G. N. 

H 

Hagan, Mrs. 
Haig, Mr. and Mrs. 
Harding, Capt. and Mrs. 



Reseda. 

Kimber House. 
Uplands. 
Hanson .Hotel. 
Winterdyne. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
Hebron. 

Glenmore Estate. 
Glen view Hotel. 



Tea Hill. 
Uplands. 
Forest Dale- 
Orchard Dene. 
Long] eat. 
Underfell. 

Church Hill House. 
Blair Athol. 



Winterdyne. 
P.W.D. Bungalow. 
Gray hurst. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



PRESH CHOCOLATES! 



THE GENUINE ARTICLE 

<][ You know how delicious a nice freshly 
made Chocolate tastes ? :: 

<][ Not the old, dry, hard sort that's the 
kind you get imported in tins :: 

*H These are the Genuine Articles made 
in the following varieties: Almond, 
Nougat, Pistache, Pralines, Peppermint 
and Vanilla Creams :: :: :: 

<|[ These Chocolates are made from Cacao 
grown in Ceylon, manufactured in 
Bilimora (Baroda State). They are 
therefore fresher and have a hetter 
flavor than any confections made from 
imported Chocolate :: :: :: 



CACAO PLANTATIONS - Ukumela, Ceylon 
Factory and Wholesale Depot. Bilimora .-: 

:: Head Office : COONOOR :: 

MAIL ORDERS 

FOR CHOCOLATES, SWEETS, PETIT FOURS, BIRTHDAY, 
CHRISTENING AND WEDDING CAKES 

PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO 



J. E. DONNISON, COONOOR 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



The Coonoor* Emporium 

(Present Proprietors THOMAS EAGAN t* Co.) 

GENERAL MERCHANTS 
Auctioneers & Commission Agents, House & Land Agents, etc. 



THE OLDEST EUROPEAN FIRM IN COONOOR 

It has had the unabated confidence and support of Residents and 

Visitors for thirty-five years. 

If you propose settling at or visiting Coonoor you cannot do better 
than deal with this Firm 




DEPARTMENTS 

Drapery, Millinery, Haberdashery and Hosiery, Gents 

Outfitting, Boots and Shoes, Blankets and Rugs, Toilet and 

Household Requisites, Fancy Goods, Toys 

Stationery and Office Requisites, lertumery, Furniture, Wall Paper, 

Carpets, Faints, Distempers, China Glass and Earthenware, 

Hardware. 

Iron and Steel Enamel Ware, Ironmongery and Lamps 

Smokers' Requisites, Tobaccos, Cigars and Cigarettes, Groceries, 

Provisions and Confectionery, Patent Medicines, etc 



SOLE SELLING AGENTS IN INDIA & BURMA 
FOR THE CELEBRATED 'NONSUCH 1 NILG1RI TEAS 

THE COONOOR EMPORIUM 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



COONOOR KING OF HILL STATIONS 




PRIVATE SUITES OF ROOMS-HILL GROVE HOTEL 
Hill Grove Hotel provides Private Suites of Rooms as well as Table d'Hote accommodation. 




TENNIS COURTS AND LOWER BLOCK-HILL GROVE HOTEL 

Extensive grounds, and fine Tennis Courts are a special feature of Hill Grove Hotel. 

HILL GROVE HOTEL-COONOOR 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



COONOOR KING OF HILL STATIONS 




The views here 
depict a portion of the 
drive and one of the 
beautiful garden walks 
of Hill Grove Hotel. 
A private suite of 
rooms is seen beyond. 



The orchard atid 
gardens of Hill Grove 
Hotel, Coonoor, are 
the delight of all who 
have ever seen them. 
English flowers and 
fruits abound. 




HILL GR.OVE HOTEL COONOOR 

OLDEST AND MOST SELECT 



DIRECTORY CO0NOOR RESIDENTS 



177 



MissN, E. 
Haugbton, Mr. F, W, 
Heath, Mrs. G. 
Hedger, Mrs. C, E. 
Home, Mr, and Mrs, J, E. 



Northfield House, 
Gray's Hill. 
Glenwood. 
The Retreat. 
Bakeleigh. 



James, Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes ... Canowie. 

James, M,r., Mrs. and Miss W. I. ... Woodford. 

St. John, Mrs. ... Erin Cottage. 



Kelly, Miss 

Kinney, Mr, and Mrs. T. 

Kinney, Miss 



Gray Hurst. 
Woodcote. 
Hebron . 



Laver, Mr. and Mrs. R. 
Lay bourne, Miss A, 
Lazar, Miss B. 
Laybourne, Miss L. 
Leach, Miss 
Logan, Mr. D. R. 

ML 

Mackie, Mr. and Mrs. L. 
Maclean, Mr. C. L. 
Mallis, Mr. and Mrs. W. 
Marjoribanks, Mrs. 
Marjoribanks, Miss B. 
Marjoribanks, Miss E. 
Marjoribanks, Miss G. 
Marjoribanks, Miss M , 
Martin, Miss 
Mash, Miss 
Mason, Mrs. and Miss 
Mather, Mr. and Mrs. A. 
Mathew, Miss 
McNeill, MissM. Y. 
Mead, Mrs. W. A. 
Moore, Captain and Mrs. 
Murray, Mr. and Mrs. L. S. 

N 

Nicholson, Sir F. A. and Lady 
Nicholson, Mr, A. G. 







O'Hara, Miss S. S. 
Otten, Miss J. 
Chven, Miss 
Qxley, Miss S. 

12 



Spencer's Buildings. 

Fern wood Lodge. 

Homeleigh . 

Fern wood Lodge, 

Clovelly House. 

Missionary Rest Home, Brooklands, 



Omri Cottage. 

White Lodge. 

Missionary Rest Home, Brooklands. 

Underfell. 



Hampton. 
Clovelly House. 
Hebron. 

Mayston. 

The Firs, Mount Pleasant. 

Hebron. 

Ochtertyre. 

White Lodge. 

Mt. Pleasant. 



Surrenden. 
Clovelly House, 



Brooklands. 
Belmont. 
Hebron. 
-St. Hilda's. 



178 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Packenham, CoL, Mrs, and Miss ... Kedlestou. 

Pegg, Mrs, and Misses ... Mount Road, 

Perry, Mrs. ... Brooklands. 

Pinto, Mr, R. H. ... Mount Road. 

Price, Lieut. -Col. ... Woodlands. 

Priestley, Miss L. ... Wyoming. 



Ranking, Mrs. and Miss W. 

Rayney, Mrs. J. 

Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. 

Reilly, Mr., Mrs. and Miss 

Reilly, Mr. and the Misses 

Roberts, Miss 

Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. 

Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. 

Robinson, Mrs. and Miss 

Robinson, Mrs. L. B. 

Robinson, Mrs. 

Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. L. Gerrard 

Rogers, Miss D. 

Rowsell, Mrs 



Tecoma. 
Blair Athol. 
Annalore. 
The Crags. 
The Cottage. 
Dunmore. 
Hill Side. 
Prospect Lodge. 
Hampton. 
Northfield. 
Belmont. 
Adderley Estate. 
Woodlands. 
Blair Athol. 



Sam, Mr. and Mrs. G. 
Saxton, Mr. and Mrs. R, J. 
Schmidt, Mrs. and Miss 
Scotland, Miss 
Scott, Mr. and Mrs. B. C. 
Sell, The Rev. and Mrs. C. E. 
Sharpe-SrrJth, Major and Mrs. 
Simon, Mr. J. C. 
Smith, Mrs. D. 
Sampson, Mr. and Mrs. 
Stanes, Mr. R. and Misses 
Steers, Mr. and Mrs. G. M, 
Stoney, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. 
St. John, Mrs. C. 
Stubbs, Miss N. 



Homeleigh. 
Kia Ora. 
Wyoming. 
Hebron. 
Culmore. 
Hope Ville. 
Uplands. 
Homeleigh. 
St. Rocks. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
High field. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
The Gables. 
Erin Cottage. 
The Grange, 



Tewhig, Mr. and Mrs. 
Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. D. D., 
Thompson, Miss N, 
Thompson, Mr., Mrs. and Misses 
Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. 
Tims, Mr, and Mrs. A. 
Trutwein, Mrs. M. C. 



Mt. Pleasant. 

Balaclava House. 

Erin Cottage. 

Nenagh. 

Missionary Rest Home, Brooklands. 

Mt. Pleasant. 

Daisy Bank. 



U 



Upshon, Mrs, 



Myrtle Lodge. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



SYLK'S HOTEL 

IS THE PLACE TO STAY AT WHEN IN 

OOTACAMUND 



Central and healthy position. 
Detached bungalows, family 
suites and bachelors* quarters. 
For the 1916 season the place 
has been thoroughly reno- 
vated, with material from 
London 



THE MANAGEMENT 

Under Immediate Supervision of Proprietors. 
For terms apply to the Manager or to 

G. D'ANGELIS 6? SON 

HOTEL D'ANCELIS, N4DRAS 



ADVERTISEMENTS 

UNITED BREWERIES, I" 

THe Rose & Crown Brewery 

, NILGIRIS 



- REGIMENTAL SUPPLIERS AND BREWERS 2 

o o 

\ Our BEERS, which are so well known for their excellence, 
are brewed entirely with malted BARLEY and 
ENGLISH HOPS, under the direct supervision of 
European experts. 

DRftFT ENGLISH ALE Or STOUT supplied direct from the 
Brewery in 4, 9 and LS-gallon casks. 



OUR 

PALE ALE AND STOUT 

in bottles can he obtained from 

MESSRS. SPENCER & Co., Ltd. 
Ootacamund, Coonoor and Madras, or at the Brewery. 



STANDING ORDERS CAREFULLY ATTENDED TO 

J For further particulars apply to : -- 

THE MANAGER, 

The Rose & Crown Brewery, 

Kaity P.O., Nilgiris 



I 



ADVEKTISliMKNTS 




ADYKKTISKMKNTS 



Wfienyou HiinhfSPEEDtiinkof SHELL MOTORSPIRIl 












Motorists in the 








N i 1 g i r i s who 








should be particu- 


KATPADI /. 






larly careful to see 


BANGALORE 






that they obtain 


MYSORE 






a standard quality 


SHIMOGA .. 






of petrol can 


OOTACAMUND :. 






obtain ' SHELL' 


(Messrs. SIMPSON 6? Co. 






at any of the 


ADDISON6?Co.) 






following places 


COONOOR .. 






which may be 








visited on the way 


METTUPALIYAM . 






from Madras and 


CALICUT .'. 






while touring in 


TELLICHERRY .. 






the Hills .'. 


CANNANORE 




\ 




MANGALORE ,, . 











DIRECTORY KOTAGIRI RESIDENTS 



Van Ingen, Miss S. 
Vernede, The Misses 
Vernede, Mr. 
Viney, Miss 
Viney, Miss A. M. 



Spring Glen. 
Hill Grove Estate, 

Rose Hall. 
St. Hilda's. 



Walker, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. 

Warden, Mrs. W. R. 

Ward, The Rev. and Mrs. J, 

Ward, Miss 

Watson, Mrs. Rowley 

Watt, Mr. and Mrs. J. 

Waugh, Miss E A. 

Wells, Miss F. M. 

Wells, Miss S. M. 

West, Mrs. 

White, Mrs. H. T. L. 

Williams, Mr. 

Williams, Mrs. Acheson 

Williams, Mrs. 

Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. 

Wilson, Mrs. Fellows 

Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Strode 

Wise, Miss H, 

Woolley, Miss M. F. 

Wright, Mrs. E. M. 



Hill Grove Hotel. 
Blair Athol. 
Silverdale. 
Hebron. 
Hampton. 
Rose Hall. 
Glemvood. 
Dunmore. 

Stanley Villa. 
Rose Hall. 
Richmond. 
Hampton . 
Arnold Cottage, 
Alma Cottage. 
Red broke. 
Brightling. 
Mountain Home. 
Woodcote. 
Omri Cottage. 



KOTAGIRI 



B 



Boas, Mrs. W. 
Brock, Mrs. C. 
Brock, Mrs. F. M. 
Brown, Mr. 
Burnett, Mrs. 



The Moorings. 
Harewood. 
Donington. 
Goondada. 
Hope Lodge. 



Carter, Mr. and Mrs. 

Cherry, Mr. W. A. ... Kodanaad. 

Cherry, Mr. K. M. ... Longwood. 

Clarke, Mr, T. ... Sommeran. 

Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. Sydenham E, ... Rob Roy. 

Cockburn, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. ... Hirianhutti. 
Cockburn, Mr. and Mrs. D. J. D. and 

Miss Longwood. 

Cunningham, Mrs. P. ... Burntwood. 



David, Mr. Y. Kotagiri Club. 

Dawes, Mr. F. ... L. F, Office. 

Deane, Mr. and Mrs. W. ... Bean Voir. 

Dunning, Mr. G, E., Mrs. and Misses ..* Nitonette. 



180 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Eagan, Mr. and Mrs. C. L, 
Eckershall, Mr. J. A, 
Evizard, Miss R. 
Evizard, Mr. A. W. 

G 

Giffard, Mrs. * . 

Gillan, Mrs. K. 

Griffith, Mrs. S. 

Grove, Mr. R. N. C. 

Groves, Mrs. S. 

Groves, Mrs. F. W. and Miss 

H 

Harding, MP. and Mrs. G. R. 

Hawks, Mrs. ;. 

Hewett, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. and Miss. 



Kotada (Kil-Kotagiri). 
Gooddannai. 
Sunnydale. 
Kairbetta. 



Caberleigh. 

Wavertre. 

Corseley. 

Curzon (Kodanaad). 

Garswood . 

Marvuhulla. 



Sunnyside. 
Rosedeen. 
Engadine. 



Johnson, Mrs. W. and Miss 
Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. 
Johnstone, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. 

K 

Kay, Mr. A. J, and Miss 
Kenna, Mr. T. J. 



Burnt wood. 
The Avenue. 
Dinton. 



Hardathurai. 
Burnside. 



Longhurst, Mrs. 
Lushington, Mrs. E. W. 
Lydiard, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. 



Parkend. 
Corsely. 
Hill Grange. 



Mackenzie, Mrs. D. 
Martin, Mrs. G. 
Marjoribanks, Misses 
Mudaliar, Mr. A. K. 
Murray, Mr. J. T. 

N 
Norfor, Misses 



O'Hara, Miss 
O'Donogue, Mr. and Mrs. 



Wavertre. 
Niton Lodge. 
Burwood. 
L. F. Office. 
Kairbetta. 



Kota Hall. 



Spring Hill. 
Bella Vista, 



Pereira, Mr. and Mrs. 
Popworth, Miss 

R 

Rae, Mrs. and Miss E. 
Holland, Mrs. 



Wil-Ga-Ed. 
Belmont. 



View Hill. 
Beauleau Manor. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



DISTANCE MAKES 
NO DIFFERENCE ~ 

Our Artistic Wedding Cakes 
reach any destination safely 



A letter from CHAMAN, BALUCHISTAN, says^ 

4 The cake was delicious and the packing was done very 
' carefully for not a single ornament was even cracked. 
' The cake was greatly admired and we have to thank you 
' for all the trouble taken and prompt attention you gave 
1 us. (Sd.) H. A. F: 

NEED WE SAY MORE? 

. . HANDSOME SILVER STAND & KNIFE LENT FREE .'. 



Complete Caterers for Wedding 
and Ball Receptions, Dinners, 
Luncheons, Parties. Inclusive 
Estimate Free Return Post 

HARRISON & CO. 

By appointment Confectioners and Caterers to H.E. 
The Governor of Madras, H.H. The Maharajah of 
Travancore and H.H. The Rajah of Cochin's Darbar 
GOLD MEDALISTS. 

168/1, 2 9 3, Broadway MADRAS 



ADVERTISEMENTS 




LUE 



The 

MOUNTAIN HOTEL 

KOTAGIRI 





For accoiriihodatioTi 
and terms apply to 

The Proprietor, 

BLUE MOUNTAIN 
HOTEL; 

KOTAQIRI 



E BLUE MOUNTAIN HOTEL is situated 
on a ridge overlooking Kotagiri, and while 
it is close to the Post Office, Club, etc., is 
thoroughly segregated from the bazaar and 
all native dwellings, thereby ensuring perfect 
sanitation. <j[ Ample accommodation is afforded 
for families or single persons, either in suites of 
rooms with private table or in double or single 
bedrooms with Table d'Hote at separate party 
tables. *ff The building is contained in large and 
beautiful grounds, commanding a fine view of 
the surrounding hills and valleys, and with 
pretty gardens and shady retreats. <j[ Besides 
the benefits to be derived from the excellent 
local club tennis courts and golf links, visitors 
have the privilege of the use of a splendid 
private tennis court which the proprietor, Mr. 
Weborny, has just had remodelled and furnished. 
Badminton courts and crocquet lawns are in 
course of completion. /. 



ADVKRTISKMKNTS 




ADVERTISEMENTS 



BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY 

Confectionery Stores and Dairy, Ootacamund 

BREAD Really wholesome White and Brown Bread: Made of superfine 
flour by the most recent and scientific methods. 

BISCUITS A large variety : fresh everyday. Also Messrs. Peak Frean 
& Co.'s assortments in half-pound packets. 

CAKES Bride, Birthday and Christening Cakes, in all latest designs ; 
orders executed at short notice. Also Madeira, Sultana, Seed and Currant. 

PASTRIES In all varieties : Petit Four Sees and Petit Four Glaces 
.made daily. 

FRENCH SWEETS AND FANCY FONDANTS With various 
flavours and pretty designs, at all prices. Try them: you will pronounce them 
delicious. 

CRYSTALLIZED FRUITS Crystallized Cherries, Apricots, Quinces, 
Pears, Greengages and Figs. 

CADBURY'S TROPICAL CHOCOLATES in All Varieties 
PASCALL'S FAMOUS SWEETS In Silver Top Bottles 
SOUTHWELL'S JAMS, JELLIES AND MARMALADE 
TOM SMITH'S TOYS AND CRACKERS in All Varieties 



A Speciality is our Fresh Dairy Butter Supplied Daily 



MAHOMED SA1T & SONS 



DRAPERS, MILLINERS, HOSIERS, 

LADIES' DRESS MAKERS 

CIVIL AND MILITARY TAILORS AND 

BREECHES MAKERS 



CIVIL AND MILITARY CONTRACTORS AND 
COMMISSION AGENTS 



Head Office & Shop BEDFORD BUILDINGS, COONOOR 
Branch -CADET COLLEGE, WELLINGTON 



DIRECTORY ARUVANKADU RESIDENTS 181 

5 

Schmidt, Mrs. ... Bliss Hill. 

Sherman, Miss ... Hope Park. 

Short, Mrs. A. M. and Miss L, ... Glendon. 

Sibnet, Rev. Father ... Church View. 

V 

Vernede, Mr. and Mrs. B. ... Burn Brea. 

W 

Weborney, Mr. W. , ... B. M. Hotel. 



CORDITE FACTORY, ARUVANKADU 



Col. D. M. Babington, c. I. E., Superintendent. 

Major B, H, Brown, R. A., Assistant Superintendent. 

2nd Lt. H. H. Wiles, Danger Building Officer. 

Major P, Power, R.A.M.C. Officer in Medical Charge. 

Capt. T. Balclry, I.S.M.D., Assistant Surgeon in Sub-Medical Charge 

Ca.pt. ], Duggan, Commissary. 

Dr, N. L. Sheldon, ph. D., F.I.C., Manager and Chemist. 

J. H. Hull, M.I.M.H , A.M.I.E.E., Engineering Manager. 

L. Leigh Smith, M.A., F.I.C., Chemist. 

G. S. Butler, B.A. (Oxon) A. i.e. Do. 

Dr. C. E. McKenzie, Ph. D. Do, 

J. C. Bain, Chief Foreman Plumber. 

Lt. J. H. Allen, Head Overseer, Cordite. 

Condr. G. J. P. Hanlon, Head Overseer, Stores. 

Condr, J. Bennett, Overseer, Cordite. 

Condr. H. Ward, Overseer, Stores. 

Condr. E. Davies, Overseer. 

Sub-Condr. J. H. Squires, Assistant Overseer, Central Section, 

Staff Sergt. C. H. Hemming, 1st Class Soldier Mechanic. 

Sergt. T. Fallon, Do. 

Sub-Condr. H. Jefteries, Assistant Overseer, Stores. 

Staff Sergt. W. E. Hooper, 1st Class Soldier Mechanic. 

,, Sergt. E. H. Beach, Do. 

,, Sergt. J. M.Kirkby, Do. 

., Sergt. J. Kelly, Do. 

,, Sergt. J. Blacker, Do. 

R. Price, A.M.I.M.E., Mechanical Engineer. 
W, L, C. Bain, Foreman Plumber. 



182 f.'T.NlLtftRl &'UI1DE AND DIRECTORY 



A Barrett, A.M.I.E.E., A.M.I.C.E., Assistant Electrical Engineer. 

F. Fraser, Foreman, Acid. 

L. W. Pryor, Foreman^ Guncotton. 

R. C, Derbridge, Foreman, Nitroglycerine. 

W, Sutton, Foreman, Plumber. 

E. V. Adams, Assistant Foreman, Acid. 

E. H. Chaplin, Do. 

E. Bardell, Do. 

A. J. Knowler, Assistant Foreman, Gnncotton. 

E. J, Berry, Assistant Foreman, Nitroglycerine. 
A. A. Dykes, Do. do. 

F. Bardell, Leading Hand. 
H. A. Chaplin. Do. 

A. Bardell, Do. 

W. Springham, Do. 

A. E. Garner. Do. 

A. Fitzgerald, Indian service mechanic. 

W. G. Pethard, Do. 

J. Clements, - Do. 

A. E. Rittman, Do. 

A. H. Say, Do. 

POWER HOUSE, KATERI 

A. H. Hull, A.M.I.M.E., A.M.I.E.E., Electrical Engineer. 
H. W. Arbuckle, A.M.I.E.E., Assistant Electrical Engineer. 
L. Henshaw, Do. 

E. B. Barrett, Do. 

OFFICE STAFF 

N. Sambasiva Pillay, Head Clerk. 

T. T. Srinivasalu Naidu, Second Clerk. 

C. Kuppuswami Mudaliar, Pay Clerk. 



ADVERTISEM ENTS 



Established, 18O8 



BY APPOINTMENT IN ORDINARY TO 

Their Excellencies The Viceroy and Governor-General of India, The Commander-m- 

Chief in India, The Governor of Madras, The Governor of Calcutta, and Their Honours 

Tbe Lieutenant Governors of Burma, Behar and Orissa and Punjab. 

Civil and Military Saddlers, Harness 
Boot and Gaiter Makers. Soft Leg 
Polo and Field Boots onr Speciality. 
Sole Manufacturers in India of the 
EASSIE PATENT NUMDAH 

AND ALSO 

Agent for the K ' Boots and Shoes 



^1 Regimental Horse Appointments, 
Belts, Army and Volunteer Requisites. 
Importers of all kinds of Leather 
Goods, Bags, Trunks, etc. Polo and 
Racing Gear of all kinds stocked, and 
also made to order. 



Single Horse liar- 
ness, hand-sewn 
throughout, complete 

with Collar and 
Hames, 

Rs. 50 to Rs. 175 

Fair- Horse Harness, 
hand-sewn through- 
out, complete with 
Collars and Hames, x 
Rs. 120 to 
Rs. 43 




SOFT LEG POLO BOOT 



The 'CORONATION' 
GAITER 




The '3-IN 1' BIT FOR POLO PLAYERS 



Head Office: CALCUTTA 

Branch Firms at SIMLA, LAHORE, RANGOON, 
MADRAS and OOTACAMUND 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



MOTORISTS! 

At our Branch at Charing Cross, Ooty, you will find 
a good selection of requisites for your Car or Cycle 



Michelin Tyres, Lucas' Motoralities, 
Cleaning Requisites, Tools, Jacks, 
Plugs of all leading makes, Electric 
Fittings, Bulbs, Lamps, Accumulators, 
Batteries, Horns, Goggles, Speedome- 
ters, Tyre Repair Materials, Pumps, 
Motor Cycle Belts and Belt Fastenings, 
Price's and other Motor Oils, Luggage 
Carriers, Mascots, etc. 

TYRE REPAIRS done on the premi- 
ses by H. F. Process in a few hours 



ADDISON & Co., L? 

MADRAS, BANGALORE (Q, OOTY 

Established 1873 - - Telegrams : ' Addisonco ', Ooty 



PLANTER'S DIRECTORY 



Planter 


Estate 


Post Office 


Abraham, P, A. 


Elkhill 


Springfield. 


Aird, John 


(Glenevans 
) Guernsey 


Guynd. 
Coonoor. 


Andrews, C. P. .-"i ... 


Sommerdale 


Ootacamund. 


Arbuthnot, R. 


Goadby 


Naduvattam. 


Archer, E. rf. '*' ... 


Northbrook 


Nellacotta.. 


Bake, R. 


Colacambay 


Kullakambay. 




f Ebenaad 


Ootacamund. 


Barclay, C. B, 


j Denaad 


Kullakambay. 




( Seegor 


Ootacamund. 


Bastian, S. I. 


Dunsandle 


i 


Beaver, P. L. D. 


fSholarock 
1 Little Ireland 


Katary. 
Coonoor. 


Besset, J.C. 


Mayfield 


Nellacotta. 


Binney, H. C. 


Briarley 


Coonoor. 




(Clifton 




Bisset, E. F, 


( Avondale 


1 1 


Blackstone, H. 


Elms 


1 1 


Brant, C. G. 


Pickings 


Ootacamund. 


Brown, G. F. 


Kinoll 


Coonoor. 




/Nonsuch 


f , 


Browne, S. C. 


I Upper Droog 
1 Shundakari 


Hulical. 




I Mayfield 


Katary. 


Brown, T. 


Carolina 


Coonoor. 


Burrows, R. 


Kurumberbetta 


Ootacamund. 


Campbell Gompertz, R.E. 


Cullukoorai 


Kotagiri. 


Cherry, W. A. 


Kodanaad 


,, 


Church, G. W. 


Needary 


Kil Kundah. 




f Crofton 


Tattapullam. 


Cockburn, D. J. D 


-j Burnside 


Kotagiri. 




( Long wood 




Cock burn, F, 


Deepdale 




Cockburn, F. M. 


J Herian Hutty 
I Hope Hill 




Cockburn, Mrs. E. M. ... 


Bariadi 






( Red Hill 


Ootacamund, 


Collins, H. 


I Emerald Valley 


The Kundah Hill, 




fOolicut 


Kil Kundah. 


Cosens, J. D. 


{ Thiashola 


,, 




I Carrington 


,, 


Coshan, L. A, 


Lovehill 


Tattapullam* 


Cunningham, F, C. 


Northernhay V *J 


Masanagudi. 


Dandison, A, S, 


(Pembroke 
{ Carshalton 


Kullakambay, 
i> 


D'Courcy, W. S. 


Belle Vue 


Naduvattam, 


Deane. 


f Liddlesdale 
1 Kaiser-i-hind 


Guy's Nest. 
Kil Kotagiri. 



184 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Planter 


Estate 


Post Office 




/Clyffe 


Koiagiri. 




Glen more 


Coonoor. 


Deane, W. 


jCorneillon 


Kil Kotagiri. 




(Pomanoo 


,, 




/Frithhall 


Katary. 


Downing, A. K. W. 


IPilloor 
~j Tiger Lodge 
tBillimalai 


Coonoor. 
Katary. 
Hulical. 


D'Silva, M, A. 


J Brook lands 
) Springfield 


Coonoor. 


D'Souza, A. W. 


Sussex 


Nellacotta. 


Egan, Lumsden C. 


/Goonjara 
j Kengarai 
j Kotada 


Kil Kotagiri. 




\Woodrofte 


tt 


Ekersoll, Mrs. 


Annaikattie 


Tattapullam. 


Elkington, D. 


f Upper Droog 
( Ibex Lodge 


Coonoor. 


Evezard, A. C. 


Kairbetta 


Kotagiri. 




f Okanada 


Kil Kundali. 


Findlay, J, G. 


\ Dundanorai 


Coonoor. 




I Oriamacumbay 


, , 


Fletcher, F, W. F. 


/ Gadbrook 
( Rock wood 


Nellacotta. 


Gerrard, E. F, H. 


Terramia 


Kullakambay. 


Gifford, H. H. 


Gavipara 


Gudalur. 


Gifford, W. J. 


Terrace 


Naduvattam. 




/ Tudor Valley 


Kullakambay. 




J Manaar 




Grey, N. 


j Lower Droog 


Coonoor. 




IChengal 


,, 


Groves, F, W. 


Baragarda 


Kotagiri. 




( Terowie 


Coonoor. 


Groves, A. N, 


\ Singara 


, , 


Groves, R. N. C. 


\ Kendonie 
(.Curzon 


Kotagiri. 


r*tt**vA t> 


(Cherangolle 


Cherambaddy, 


vjruaru, f . ... 


(ChettyToda 


,, 


Hall, T. W. 


Mountain Glen 


Kotagiri. 


Harding, Pascoe J, 


Woodlands 


Kullakambay. 


Harper, V. K. J. 


Craigmore 


Katary. 


Harrison, C. 


Denaad 


Kil Kotagiri. 


Harrison, T. 


Teedakaad 


, , 


Hayne, W. C. 


Hallashana 


Kullakambay. 


Henzie, J, C. 


Sultana 


, ( 


Herclots, J. G. C, 


Benhope 


Coonoor. 


Hercus, Chalmers 


Glendale 


,, ' 




f Goongara 


Donriington. 


Hewett, H. M. 


-j Kennahutty 


, , 




1 Xattapullam 


M 




j Whitbeck 


Kil Kundah. 


Hodgson, H. P. 


I Woodleigh 





ADVERTISEMENTS 



CLENVIEW HOTEL 



COONOOR, Southern India 




Standing amidst six acres of Garden command- 
ing a complete view of the Nilgiri Hills also 
has its own Electric Power for lighting, 
Tennis Court, Badminton Court and Billiard 
Room. 



For Terms apply to the Manager, 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



flftf . iftftl lfl ^ iftftg^^iflfti --iflOC= IOOCZJ 

Pure Drugs 



I 



The attention of PHYSICIANS, PHARMACISTS and the 

PUBLIC in general is directed not only to the 
High Standard of Purity of our Drugs hut also 
to their Uniformity. 

In Pharmacy in India, W. E. SMITH & Co.'s products 
stand alone upon their merit, unexampled 
purity and adherence to standard. 

PRESCRIPTION COMPOUNDING by skilled Chemists- 
A Speciality. 

Have always on hand a large stock of Patent and 
Proprietary Medicines, Toilet, Nursery and Sick 
Room Requisites, Perfumery, Surgical Instruments 
and Appliances and Veterinary Instruments 
Chemical and Physical Apparatus. 



W. E. SMITH & CO., ij 

U Limited U 

^k 

Pharmaceutical Chemists and Aerated 
Water Manufacturers 

Head Office : 

'Kardyl Buildings', Mount Road, MADRAS 

Brunches at : 

Ootacamund and Vepery, Esplanade and San Thome, 
MADRAS 



PLANTER'S DIRECTORY 



185 



Planter 


Estate 


Post Office 


Hunt, Thos. 


Mullaisenguda 


Ootacamund. 


Jennings, C. W. F. 


J Dodabetta 
| Sliev Mor Dairy Farm... 


" 


Johnston, W. C. 


Avenue 


Kotagiri. 


Kay, P. A. 


Hardathooray 


,, 


Keith West 


Panchoora 


Nellacotta. 




/ Dunhutty 


Kotagiri. 


Kenna, T. J. 


j Fairfield 
1 Warwick 







( Tullochard 


^ f 


Kindersley, R. L. 


Westburv 


Ootacamund. 


Kinloch, A. M. 


Clyffce 


Kil Kotagiri. 


T 


J Leigh wood 


Masanagudi. 


Lake, L. A. 


| Belhcul 


? t 


Lechler, F. G. 


Madanaad 


Kotagiri. 


Lilly wick, E. 


Golesland 


Cherambaddy. 


Limouzin, E. E. 


Dunsandle 


Ootacamund. 


Mackinley, W. 


Went worth 


Cherambaddy 


Mathews, M. M. N. 


j Hallacara} 
j Dolphin 


Springfield. 


TVTarrl^n O W 


j Kinnacoorie 


Kil Kotagiri. 


iVlcllUc.il, \J . VV . 


I Rocky Glen 


;, 


Mendonce, J. P. W. 


Hope 


Guyncl. 


Minchin, J.W. 


Periamota 


Gudalur. 


Mitcheson, P. E. G. 


Munjoor 


Coonoor. 




/Goodannie 


Kotagiri. 


Moir, W. W. 


j Morvahulla 


tt 




I i^arragajda 


, , 




(W T oodlees 


i 


Murray, J.I. 


)Kairbetta 


If 


Nicholson, A. G. 


Glenburn 


Tattapullam. 




/Devarshola 


Devarshola. 




Herrorjsgate 


Nellacotta. 


Nicolls, J. S. 


j Periashbla 
Woodbriar 


Seaforth . 
Devarshola. 




\Barwood 


Guynd. 


Oakes, G. 


Sophia 


Ootacamund. 


Oakley, Mrs. 


Springhead 


Coonoor. 


Ottor A. M. JB. 


1 Lovedale 


Ootacamund. 




( Craigmore 


,, 


Pereira, J. C. 


Liddlesdale 


Naduvattam. 




(Seaforth 


Seaforth . 


Pigott, A. R. 


<Yellai Mullai 


1 1 




(Devon 


Nellacotta. 


Plate!, A. E. 


Varady Mullai 


Coimbatore. 


Reilly, P. F. 


j Prospect 
1 Waterfall 


Kil Kotagiri. 
Ootacamund, 


Richtor, A. E, 


Cleveland 


Coonoor. 


Rogers, L. A. Gerrard ... 


<Glenburnie 


' ' 




(Moutre 


" 



NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 



Planter 


Estate 


Post Office 




i Eastwood 


Naduvattam. 


Kowson, W. S. 


<Glenmorgan 


Pykara. 




(Mount Gordon 


<f 




/Riverside 


Naduvattam. 




"Beddington 






] Stanley 




Rutter, G. A. 


* Prospect 






Ossington 






IPykara Falls 






Green way 




Samuel, E. M. 


Tulloes 


Guynd. 


Sheldrick, H. W. 


Beech wood 


Nellacotta. 


Sinclair, Mrs. 


Umbillu Mullai 


Seaforth . 


Smith 


Bellevue 





Smith, R. N. 


Suffolk 


Guynd. 




(Sutton 


Kullakambay. 


Stanes, N. J. 


-> Lousiana 


1 1 




Hill Grove 


Coonoor. 


Sylk, C. 


Susan 


Nellacotta. 


Thornhill, Mrs. C. 


Niton 


Kotagiri . 


Trinder, J. W. 


i Kotacul 
Mailoor 


Kullakambay. 




Coonoor Ali 


Kil Kotagiri. 




Mullapoor 






Pettycombay 




Vernede, J.B. 


Venil 






Boothecarry 






1 Arcood 






Rookery 


Kotagiri. 


Waldeck, T. P. 


Oland 


Kullacambay. 




/Sandy Hills 


Guynd. 




J Ouchterloney Valley ... 






J Naduvattam 






New Hope 






"Mont Rose 




Wapshare, J. H. 


i Lauriston 






Kelly 






Guynd 






Helen 






Forest Hill 






1 Barham 




West, J. 


Salada 


Kotagiri . 


Wilbraham, H. D. 


jBellutti 
} Armagal 


Kil Kundah. 


Windle, E. G, 


( Kulliud 
1 Rahamany 


Ciudalur. 
Ootacamund. 


Winthrop, J. C. 


Welbeck 


f> 


Woolley, MissM. F. ... 


Woodcote 


Coonoor, 




( Bitherookardu 


Nellacotta. 


Wright, B. W. 


-, Swindlecote 


? 




' Hungerford 


Ootacamund. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



Jfgents for 
CLEMENT, TALBOT, ALLDAYS, COMMER, 

JEPPERY AND PEUGEOT CARS i 

New Comet, Excelsior 

ALLDAYS AND PEUGEOT 

Motor Cycles 



II 



i 



Defying Road 
Conditions 




ONCE tried ALWAYS used 

SEND FOR DETAILED CATALOGUE 



The Motor House 

16 Mount Road, MADRAS 



HOC 



300C 



)OOC 



DOOC 



ADVERTISEMENTS 




BY APPOINTMENT 



PERFECTION 

Perfection is attained by having the 
essentials right, and thereafter taking 
infinite pains in regard to details. 

On the first count, we are the origi- 
gators of the pneumatic tyre industry. 
On the second count, competent 
observers state that the outstanding 
feature is the unique care bestowed 
on details. 

Just as we have perfected our product 
so we have perfected our methods. 
Perfect courtesy, fairness, prompt- 
ness, and intelligence, or as near to 
them as an imperfect world will per- 
mit, are at the root of our popularity. 

DUNLOP RUBBER CO., Ltd. 

(INCORPORATED IN ENGLAND) 

Founders of the Pneumatic Tyre 
Industry throughout the World, 

17 Mount Road, Madras 

BOMBAY DELHI 

CALCUTTA COLOMBO 

Stockist Mr. J. E. Don ni son, Coonoor 



ESTATES DIRECTORY, NILGIRIS 

ABALADA.P.O. Gudajur, area 100 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. 

Elevation 6,500 ft.. Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs. Fakir Mahomed Salt & 

Sons. Mangr. Native. 
ADDERLY. P.O. Coonoor, area 450 acres, under .-cultivation 373 acres.' 

Elevation 5, 750 ft., Coffee and Rubber. Proprs Nilgiri Plantations Co. 

Mangr. L. A. Gerrard Rogers. 
AH ALIA. P.O. Gudalur, area 20 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. Elevation 

4,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 

ALICIA. P.O. Kateri, area 180 acres, under cultivation 39 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,500ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Pro/>r. Mulraj Khatao. Mangr. Native. 
ANNAIKATTIE. P.O. Tattapullum, area 40 acres, under cultivation 35 acres. 

Elevation 3,800 ft. , Coffee. Mangng. Proprss. Mrs. Ekersoll. 
ANNEXATION. P.O. Nellacotta, area 220 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. 

Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
ARCOOB. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 370 acres, under cultivation 150 acres. 

Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee. Pro >prs.-~ Nilgiri Plantations Co. Mangr. 

J.B. Vernede. 

ARIOOR.- P.O. Tattapullum, area 20 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,500 ft.. Coffee. Propr. Rungiah Gownden. Mangr. Native. 
ARMAGAL.P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 85 acres. Elevation 6,000 ft.. Cinchona. 

Propr. H. D. Wilbraham. Mangr. Owner. 
ATTAKUL. P.O. Ootacamund, area 79 acres, under cultivation 79 acres. 

Elevation 6,000 ft., Tea. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
AVENUE, THE. P.O. Kotagiri, area 40 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. 

Elevation 6,300 ft. .Tea, Coffee. Propr.W.C. Johnstone. Mangr. Owner, 
AVOCA. P.O. Coonoor, area 200 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. Elevation 

6*000 ft., Tea. Propr. Nilgi'ri Plantation Co. Mangng. Agents. T. Stanes 

& Co., Ltd. 
AVONBALE. P.O. Nellacotta, area 446 acres, under cultivation 79 acres. 

Elevation 3,800 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Propr. East Indian Tea and 

Produce Co., Ltd. Mangr. E. F, Bissett, 

BALMADIES. P.O. Guynd, area 422 acres, under cultivation 330 acres. 
Elevation 4,800 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Propr. Nilgiri Plantation Co. 
Agents.?. Stanes & Co., Ltd. 

BARAGARDA. P.O. Kotagiri, area 75 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. 
Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Proprs. F. W. & A. N. Groves. Mangr. 
W. W. Moir. 

BARHAM. P.O. Guynd, area 340 acres, under cultivation 270 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs. Oucftterlony Trustees. Mangr 
J, H. Wapshare. 

BAHIADI. P.O. Kotagiri, area 180 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,700 ft. f Coffee and Tea. Proprss. Mrs. E. M. Cockburn. 
Mangr. D. J. D. Cockburn, 

BARWOOD. P.O. Guynd, area 307 acres, under cultivation 266 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,000 ft., Tea. Proprs. H. L. & H. S. Andrews & Co. Mangr. 
J. S. Nicolls. 

BAY&QGJUJ. P.O. Kartairy, area 20 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. 
Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. -Owner; 



188 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

BEAR HILL. P.O. Kullakamby, area 80 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 

Elevation 4,500 ft, Coffee, Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
BEBDINGTON. P.O. Pykara, Seaforth Plantation Co., Ltd. Elevation 5,500 ft., 

Tea. 
BEECHWOOD. P.O. Nellacotta, area 293 acres, under cultivation 45 .acres. 

Elevation 3,750 ft., Coffee. Propr. H. W. Sheldrick. Mangr. Owner. 
BELLE VUE. P.O. Naduvatum, area 620 acres, under cultivation 600 acres. 

Elevation 7,200 ft., Tea, Cinchona. Propr. W. B. D'Courcy. Mangr. 

A. Smith. 
BELLUTTI. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 220 acres, under cultivation 142 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs.H. D. Wtbraham. 

Mangr. Owner. 

BELMONT. P.O. Kotagiri, area 60 acres, under cultivation 41 acres. Eleva- 
tion 6,150 ft., Cinchona, Coffee. 
BENHOPE. P.O. Coonoor, area 180 acres, under cultivation 155 acres. 

Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Proprs, J. G. C. Herclots. Mangr. W. 

Rhodes James. 
BILICUL. Kalhutty, area 110 acres, under cultivation 90 acres Elevation 

5,000 ft,, Coffee, Tea and Pepper. Proprs. A. R. Hajee Fakeer Mahomed 

Sait and Sons. Mangr. L. F. Lake. 

BILLIMALA1. Hulicul, 'near Coonoor, 220 acres, Propr. A. K. W. Downing. 
BITHEROOKADU. P.O. Nellacotta, area 413 acres, under cultivation 142 

acres. Elevation 3,200ft., Coffee. Proprs. W. Barton Wright. Mangr. 

Owner. 
BOOTHECARY. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 350 acres, under cultivation 55 acres. 

Elevation 4,000 ft.. Coffee. Propr.]. T. Temple- Wilson. Mangr. ]. to. 

Vernede. Secy.C. H. Brock. 
BROOKLAND. P.O. Coonoor, area 151 acres, under cultivation 75 acres. 

Elevation 5,500 ft., Tea. Propr. Nilgiri Plantations Co. Mangr. M. A, 

d'Silva. 
BUMBLAYCOMBAY. P.O. Coonoor, area 28 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. 

Elevation 3,502 ft., Coffee. Propr. -Native. Mangr. Owner. 
BURLIAR. P.O. Coonoor, area 275 acres, under cultivation 250 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,300 ft., Coffee. Propr. Mean jee Sait. Mangr. Native. 
BURNSIDE. P.O. Kotagiri, area 90 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,400 ft., Tea and Coffee. Pro^r.s.- Mrs. E. M. Cockburn. .M&ngr. 

D. J. D. Cockburn. 
BYGAHONEY. P.O. Tattapullum, area 140 acres, under cultivation 30 acres. 

Elevation 5,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Meera Sahib Rowther. Mangr. 

Native. 

CABERFEIGH. P.O. Kotagiri, area 35 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. Eleva- 
tion 0,300 ft., Tea. Propr. R. M. Galloway, Mangr. Native. Secy 
Miss L. Norfor, 

CAIRNHILL. P.O. Ootacamund, area 86 acres, under cultivation 86 acres. 
Elevation 7,000 ft., Cinchona. Propr. Executors of the Will of B. 
Phillips. 

CAROLINA. P.O. Coonoor, area 217 acres, under cultivation 167 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,560 ft., .Coffee, Toa,,and Fruit. Propr. T. Brown. Mangr. W,M 
Brown . 

CARRINGTON. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 137 acres, under cultivation 106 acres. 
Elevation 6,800 ft., Tea. Proprs. Thia Sholah Estate Co., Ld. Mangr* 
J. D. Cosens. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



St. Joscpb's College 

COONOOR 



Founded in 1890 by the late Most Rev. Dr. Bardou, the 
saintly and zealous Bishop of Coimbatore, this Institution 
is conducted under the patronage of His Lordship the Most 
Rev. Dr, Roy of Coimbatore. 

The School is located in a Hill Station in the heart of the 
Madras Presidency a hill station which is unrivalled in 
Southern India for salubrity of climate and beauty of 
scenery. The school is within fifteen minutes' walk of 
Coonoor and within seven minutes' walk of Wellington 
Railway Stations, respectively. The mean annual tempera- 
ture is about 65 ; the climate is milder than that of 
Ootacamund and on the whole an ideal one for school-going 
children of all constitutions even the most delicate. 

The buildings, which have been' specially erected for edu- 
cational purposes, occupy one of the most picturesque 
positions in Coonoor and stand on the open crest of a hill 
6,000 feet above mean sea-level, whence a magnificent 
panorama of Nilgiri mountain scenery can be obtained. 
The school thus possesses all the advantages that hill 
schools claim over those on the plains, particularly in the 
tropics. 

The Institution is under the care of the Brothers of Saint 
Patrick from Ireland, whose sole aim in life, after their own 
sanctiftcation, is the education and training of youth; parents 
have, consequently, every assurance that their children's 
dearest and best interests are in safe keeping. 

While the object of the Institution is to afford Catholic 
boys a sound religious, moral, and literary education, 
the religious principles of non-Catholic children are not 
interfered with. To ensure closer surveillance and better 
discipline they are required to attend all the common exercises, 
religious instruction excepted. Every endeavour is made to 
train pupils to become good and upright members of society. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



The course of studies embraces the following : 

I. All the standards of the European School Code in- 
cluding the High School. 

II. The entrance examinations to Special Departments, 
viz.: Roorkee, Upper Subordinate, Second Grade 
Subordinate Accounts Branch, P.W.D. Permanent Way 
Inspectors' Assistants, Engineering Departments, M. and 
S.M. and S.I. Railways Signalling Branch, Indian 
Telegraphs Military Assistant Surgeon Branch, Indian 
Subordinate Medical Department. 

Throughout the entire school course an anxious interest 
is taken to further the wishes of parents and to direct each 
boy towards the attainment of that position in life for which 
he is intended. 

Students eligible to be Cadets are expected to join the 
company attached to the Institution. Every effort is made 
to further the efficiency of the Cadets. Apart from the 
training which the Cadets receive, every boy in the Institu- 
tion is taken through a course of Swedish Drill and kindred 
physical exercises under a fully qualified instructor. Thus 
no opportunity to promote the healthy development and 
physical culture of the children is lost sight of. 

On the 18th June, 1912, a new wing, added to the Institu- 
tion at a cost of Rs. 25,000, was opened. This long looked - 
for extension comprises two stories an upper one consisting 
of a dormitory, wash room, and other conveniences for first 
class boarders ; and a lower one consisting of a refectory 
and class rooms. 

The health and comfort of the boys in all departments 
are objects of special care. The study halls, class rooms, 
and dormitories are spacious and well ventilated ; the boys 
receive four meals a day ; the food is plentiful, wholesome, 
and well prepared, and the water supply is excellent. 

School life is rendered as much like home as possible. 
The younger children are under the care of an experienced 
European Matron, and the Civil Surgeon of the station is 
specially engaged to look after the health of the Institution. 

Parents are duly informed of the health, progress, and 
conduct of their , children once a month, immediately on 
receipt of the monthly fees. 

Outdoor games are encouraged and ample provision is 
made for recreation. 



ESTATES DIRECTORY 189 

CARSHALTON. P.O. Kullakumbay, area 180 acres, under cultivation 55 acres. 
Elevation 5,300 feet., Coffee and Tea. Propr. -K. S. Dandison. Mangr. 
Owner. 

CATHERINE'S FALL. P. O. Coonoor, area 15 acres, under cultivation 15 acres. 
Elevation 4,800 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Trustees of the late C. Akilandyer. 
Mangr. Native. 

CEDARS. P.O. Nellacotta, area 192 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 

CHANCERY. P.O. Nellacotta, area 65 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 

CHELMSFORD. P.O. Mettupalayam, area 40 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 
Elevation 1,200 ft., Coffee. Propr Native. Mangr. Owner. 

CHENGAL. P.O. Coonoor. area 192 acres, under cultivation 150 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,300 ft., Coffee. Propr. Mrs. Lindsay. Mangr. N. Grey. 

CHERANGOLLE. P.O. Cherambaddy, area-55 acres,. under cultivation 55 acres. 
Elevation 3,000 ft., Cinchona. Propr. P. Guard. Mangr. Owner. 

CHETTY TODA. P.O. Cherambaddy, area 80 acres, under cultivation 45 acres. 
Elevation 2,900 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Propr. T. Hallen & Co. 
Mangr. P. Guard. 

CHIC MOYAR. P.O. Gudalur, area 655 acies, under cultivation 55 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,500 ft., Coffee, Tea and Rubber. Proprs.A. R. Hajee Fakeer 
Mahomed Sait and Sons. 

CLEVELAND. P O. Coonoor, area 60 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,800 ft., Coffee. Propr. A. F. Richtor. Mangr. Owner. 

CLIFTON. P.O. Nellacotta, area 352 acres, under cultivation 52 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,800 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs,E. I. T. P. Co., Ltd. E. F. 
Bisset. 

CLOUDS REST. P.O. Gudalur, area 160 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. 
Elevation 3,400 it., Coffee, Tea and Rubber. Proprs.A. R. Hajee Fakeer 
Mahomed Sait and Sons. 

CLOVELLY. P.O. Tattapullum, area 153 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 

Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee and Rubber. Proprs.T. Stanes & Co., Ltd. 
CLYFFE. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 185 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. E. R. Kmdersley, Mangr. W. C. Deane. 
COLACUMBAY. P.O.Kullakambay, area 304 acres, under cultivation 230 

acres. Elevation 500 ft., Coffee and Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations 

Co. Mangr. R. Bake. 
COONOOR-ALI. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 250 acres, under cultivation 125 acres. 

Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee. Proprs. James Stanes and J. B. Vernede, 

Mangr. J. B. Vernede. 
C00RAMBADDY. P.O. Coonoor, area 40 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 

.Elevation 5,500 ft , Coffee. Propr. Meanjee Sait. Mangr. Native. 
C0RNEILON. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 170 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. W. Deane. Mangr. Owner. 

CRAIGMORE.P.O. Kullakambay, area 850 acres, under cultivation 450 acres. 

Elevation 5.500 ft., Tea. Proprs . Kullakumbai Nilgiris Tea Estates, Ld. 

Mangr. Kennedy J. Harper. 
CROFTON. P.O. Tattapullum, area 144 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 

Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee. Proprss. Mrs. H. L. Griffith. Mangr. 

Bayly and Brock. 

CULIQOCORAY. P.O. Kotagiri, area 420 acres, under cultivation 110 acres. 
.Elevation, 5,400 ft., Tea, Proprs. R. E. Campbell-Gompertz and others. 
Mangr. R. E. Campbell-Gompertz. 



190 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

CULLOOR. P.O. Kotagiri, area 70 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. Elevation 
3,800 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Hajee Ismail Sait & Bros. Mangr, Native. 

CULLOOR. P.O. Kotagiri, area 100 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,500 ft., Coffee. Proprs. A. R. Hajee Fakeer Mahomed Salt & Sons. 

CURZON. P.O. Kotagiri, area 587*96 acres, under cultivation 293 acres. 
Elevation 6,100 ft., Tea and Coffee. Proprs. Trustees .of the late Mr. 
R. G. Hill. Mangr. R. N. C. Grove. 

CUEROO. P.O. Gudalur, area 187 acres, under cultivation 93 acres. Elevation 
4,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. Aboo Mahomed Sait. Mangr. Native. 



DAYAMULLAI. P.O. Gudalur, area 100 acres, under cultivation 150 acres. 
Elevation 400 ft., Coffee. Pror. Kathe Sait. Mangr. Native. 

DAVERASHOLA. P.O. Daverashola, area 2,388 acres, under cultivation 568 
acres. Elevation 3,300 ft., Tea. Proprs. H. P. Hodgson, H. D. 
Wilbraham and P. W. Church Mangr. J. S. Nicolls. 

DEEPDALE. P.O. Kotagiri, area 270 acres, under cultivation 150 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,500 ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. F. Cockburn. Mangr. Owner. 

DENAAD. P.O. Kullakambay, area 112 acres, under cultivation 30 acres. 
Elevation 5,400ft., Coffee. Propr. J. B. Barclay. Mangr. Owner. 

DENAAD. P.O. Kullakambay, area 112 acres, under cultivation 30 acres. 
Elevation 5,430 ft., Coffee. Propr. J. B. Barclay. Mangr. Owner. 

DENAAD. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 93 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. C.Harrison. Mangr Owner. 

DEYASHOLA. P.O. Kateri, area 700 acres, under cultivation 400 acres. Eleva- 
tion 6,500 ft., Tea and Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs A. R. Hajee Fakeer 
Mahomed Sait & Sons. 

DEVON. P.O. Nellacotta, area 600 acres, under cultivation 130 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,600 ft., Coffee. Propr A. R. Pigott. Mangr. Owner. 

DODABETTA. P.O. Ootacamund, area 150 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. 
Elevation 7,400 ft., Tea, Cinchona., Propr. C. W. F. Jennings. 

DODA MOYAR. P.O. Gudalur, area 662 acres, under cultivation 62 acres. 
Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee, Tea and Rubber, Proprs. A. R. Hajee 
Fakeer Sait & Sons. 

DOLPHIN. P O. Coonoor, area 120 acres, under cultivation 120 acres. Ele- 
vation 5,000 ft., Coffee and Camphor. Proprs. Indian Peninsular Rubber 
and Tea Estates Co., Ltd. Mangr. M. N. Mathews. 

DROOG (UPPER). -P.O. Coonoor, area 354 acres, under cultivation 330 acres. 
Elevation 5,800 ft., Coffee. Propr L. L. Porter. 

DROOG (LOWER). P.O. Coonoor, area 746 acres, under cultivation 106 acres. 
Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee, Proprs. A. W. Brodie and others. Mangr. 
N. Grey. 

DUNBANORAI. P.O. Coonoor, area 80 acres, under cultivation 35 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. J. G. Findlay. Mangr. Owner. 

DUNHUTTY. -P.O. Tattapullum, area 43 acres, under cultivation 42 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,000 ft,, Coffee. Proprs. Bayly and Brock. Mangr. Owners. 

DUNSANDLE TEA. P.O. Ootacamund; area 250 acres, under cultivation 165 
acres. Elevation 7,000 ft. Agents Propr. E. E. Limouzin. 



EASTWOOD. P.O. Naduvatum, area 45 acres, under cultivation 45 acres. 
Elevation 6,500 ft,, Cinchona. Propr, H. C. Stewart. Mangr. 
W. Rowson. 



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TEAS 


Good Wine Needs no Bush ' & Good Tea 


Needs 


no 


Recommendation beyond 


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Revised PRICE LIST 


from February I, 


1916 




QUALITY 


In Lead-lined 
Chests, 

20, 10, 80 lb*. 


In i-ib Paper 
Packets, 
5&10Vb. tins. 


For 1-lb. Lead 
Foil Packets. 


In Nib. 

Canisters. 




RS. A. 


RS. A. 


RS. A. 


KS. 


A. 


Orange Pek oe per 1 b . 


1 


1 1 


1 2 


1 


2 


Flowery Pekoe ,, 


14 


15 


1 


1 


1 


Broken Pekoe 


12 


13 


14 





15 


Pekoe Souchong ,, 


11 


12 


33 





14 


Congou 


9 


10 


11 





12 


Dust 


10 


11 


12 





13 


Family Mixture 


11 


12 


13 





14 


Golden Orange 












Pekoe No. 2 


] 6 


1 7 


1 8 


1 


8 


Golden Orange 












Pekoe No. 1 


3 6 


3 7 


3 8 


3 


8 


Imperial Green ,, 


1 6 


1 7 


1 8 


1 


8 


Unassorted Tea , , 


13 


14 


15 


1 





5-lb. tin Orange Pekoe free at 


any address in India, 


Rs. 6 


-0-0 


5-lb. tin do. 


do. 


United Kingdom 


, Rs. 8 


-5-0 


TEA FOR UNITED KINGDOM 


TEA sent to any part of the United Kingdom and deliver- 


ed to any address, duty and all charges paid. 


For orders of 200 


Ibs. & over, at 8 As. 


per Ib. Net ) p; _ 


Do. 100 




9 




[ 


, t 














Do. 50 


)5 


11 


I ^^T^J^ 


Do. 50 


& under 13 


99 


) l 


ed. 


Postage and duty on 


5 Ib. tins of Tea to the 


United Kingdom is Rs. 


35-0 






Terms.CASH 


with order, 


or Rail Receipt per V.P. 


Post. 




Discounts. 5% on orders for 50-lbs. and upwards, 


10% on orders for 100-lbs. do. 


Note, As all Transactions, except to approved customers, are for 


Cash, no extra discount 


is allowed for Cash. 







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ESTATES blRECTORY 191 

EBGNAAD. P.O. Ootacainund, area ,100 acres, under cultivation 75 acres. Ele- 
vation 5,000 t., Coffee. Propr. C.Barclay. Mangr. Owner. 

ELMS. P.O. Nellacotta, area 297 acres, under cultivation 90 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr, H. Blackstone. Mangr. ~ Owner. 

EMERALD VALLEY. -The Kundah Hills, P,O. Ootacamund, area 248 acres, 
under cultivation 150 acres. Elevation 7,500 ft., Tea. Prop rs. Emerald 
Valley Estate Co., Ltd. Mangr. H. Collins. 



FAIRFIELD. P.O. Tattapullum, area 65 acres, under cultivation 65 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. T. J. Kenna. Mangr. Owner. 

FATHERALLUM. P.O. Mettupalaiyam, area 25 acres, under cultivation 25 
acres. Elevation 2,800 ft. " Proprs. Fakir Mahomed Sait & Sons. 
Mangr, Native. 

FERNDALE. P.O. Tattapullum, area 148 acres, under cultivation 90 acres. 
Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. -Native. Mangr. Native. 

FOREST HILL. P.O. Guynd, area 140 acres, under cultivation 121 acres. 
Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs. Ouchterlony Valley Trust. 
Mangr. J. H. Wapshare. 

FRITH HALL. P.O. Kateri, area 450 acres, under cultivation 200 acres. 
Elevation 5,800ft., Tea. Propr. A. K. W. Downing. Mangr. Owner. 

GADBROOK. P.O. Nellacotta, area 150 acres, under cultivation 90 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,800ft., Pepper. Propr. F. W. F. Fletcher. Mangr. Owner. 

GAVIPARA.- P.O. Gudalur, area 240 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,500 ft., Coffee. Proprs.~G. H. & H. H. Gifford. Mangrs. 
Owners. 

GLENBURN. P.O. Tattapullum, area 380 acres, under cultivation 370 acres. 
Elevation 3,500ft., Coffee. Proprs. Indian Cotton, Rubber and Coffee 
Co., Ltd. Mangr. A. G. Nicholson. 

GLENBURNIE. P.O. Coonoor, area 150 acres, under cultivation 115 acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee and Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co. 
Mangr. L. A. Rogers. 

GLEN DALE. P.O. Coonoor, area 384 acres, under cultivation 195 acres. Eleva- 
tion 6,000 ft., Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co. Mangr. Chalmers 
Hercus. , 

GLENCAIRNE. P.O. Kalhutty, area 65 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft. Proprs. A. R. Hajee Fakeer Mahomed Sait & 
Sons. 

GLEN MORGAN. P.O. Pykara, area 314 acres, under cultivation 125 acres. 
Elevation 6,600 ft., Tea. Proprs. Rowson & Sons. Mangr. 
W. S. Rowson. 

GLENMORE. P.O. Coonoor, area 514 acres, under cultivation 370 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,200 ft., Coffee & Tea. Proprs. Glenmore Tea Co., Ld. Mangr, 
Mng. Dr. W. Deane, Supt.W. C. Fuller, Asst.L. Chenniah. 

GLEN VANS. P.O. Guynd, area 1,200 acres, under cultivation 410 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,200 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Glenvans Estate Co., Ltd. Mangr. 
J. Aird. 

GOADBY HALL. P.O. Naduvatum, area 144 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 

Elevation 6,500 ft., Cinchona. Propr. R. Arbuthnot. Mangr. Owner. 
GOLESLAND. P.O. Cherambaddy, area 210 acres, under cultivation 40 

acres. Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. E. Lillywick. Mangr.-~~ 

Owner. 



192 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

GOO&ANIE.- P.O. Kotagiri, area 200 acres, under cultivation 90 acres. Elev- 
ation 5,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs. Mrs. O. K. McCallum. 
Mangr. W. W. Moir. 

GOONJARA. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 125 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 
Elevation 4,900 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Messrs. Bayly & Brock, Ltd. Mangr. 
A. C. Lumsden Egan. 

GROVES OF BLARNEY. P.O. Nellacotta, area 287 acres, under cultivation 40 
acres. Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee, Tea, Pepper and Rubber. Proprs. 
A. R. Hajee Fakir Mahomed Sait & Sons. 

GUDALURMULLY. P.O. Guynd, area 130 acres, under cultivation 130 acres. 
Elevation 6,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Prop r*. Ouchterlony Valley Trust. 
Mangr. B. Thimme Gowda. 

GUERNSEY. P.O. Coonoor, area 82 acres, under cultivation 54 acres. Ele- 
vation 5,900 ft., Tea. Propr.]. Aird. Mangr. Owner. 

GUYND>-P.O. Guynd, area 837 acres, under cultivation 547 acres. Elevation 
4,000ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Pro^r$. Ouchterlony Trustees. Mangr. J.H. 
Wapshare. 

GUYS NEST. P.O. Naddnvattarn. Elevation 6,800 ft., Tea. Propr. "W. B. de 
Courcey. 

HALLASHANA. P.O Kullakambay, area 119 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft.. Tea. Propr. W. C. Hayne. Mangr. Owner. 
HALLACARRY. P.O. Coonoor, area 290 acres, under cultivation 288 acres. 

Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee and Rubber. Prop rs. Indian Peninsular 

Rubber & Tea Estates, Ltd. Mangr. M. N. Mathews. 
HARDATHORY. P.O. Kotagiri, area 217 acres, under cultivation 24 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft., Tea and Coftee. Proprss. Mrs. Kay. Mangrs. 

P. A. and E. Kay. 
HATHERAGOODOO. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 100 acres, under cultivation 62 

acres. Elevation 4,500ft., Coffee. Propr. Doda Moodah. Mangr. 

Owner. 
HAVAKUL. P.O. Kotagiri, area 40 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. Elevation 

4,300 ft , Coftee. Propr. Narain Iyer. Mangr. Native. 
HELEN. P.O. Guynd, area 520 acres, under cultivation 517 acres. Elevation 

4,000 ft., Coffee, Cinchona. Proprs. Ouchterlony Trustees. Mangr. 

J. H. Wapshare. 
HERRONSGATE. P.O. Nellacotta, area 333 acres, under cultivation 13J acres. 

Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Proprs. H. D. Wilbraham and others. 

Mangr.]. S. Nicolls. 
HERIAN HUTTY. P.O. Kotagiri, under cultivation 150 acres. Propr. F. M. 

Cockbufn. Mangr. Owner. 

HIGHLANDS. -P.O. Coonoor, area 85 acres, under cultivation 45 acres. Ele- 
vation 6,000 ft., Tea and Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
HJLLGROVE. P.O. Coonoor, area 326 acres, under cultivation 220 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,600 ft., Coffee, Tea and Rubber. Proprs. Jas. Stanes and 

A. E. Ramsay. Mangr. C. B. Vernede, 
HOFICUL. P.O. Kotagiri, area 15 acres, under cultivation 15 acres. 

Elevation 6,000ft., Coffee. Propr. J. Hirria. Mangr. Owner. 
MOPE. P.O. Guynd, area 382 acres, under cultivation 298 acres. Elevation 

4,000. ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. Ouchterlony Trustees. Mangr. 

J. H, Wapshare. 
HOPE HILL. P.O. Kotagiri, area 68 acres,, under cultivation 25 acres. 

Elevation 4,500 ft. , Coffee. Propr. F. M. Cockburn. Mangr. Owner. 



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ESTATES DIRECTORY 193 

HUNDAKARAI. Hulical, near Coonoor, Coflfee, Propr.- S. C. Browne. 
HUNGERFORD. P.O. Ootacamund, area 165 acres, under cultivation 40 

acres. Elevation 7,200 ft., Cinchona. Propr. C. Barton Wright and 

another. Mangr. Owners. 



IBEX LODGE. P.O. Coonoor, area 160 acres, under cultivation JO acres. 

Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. D. Elkington. 
INVERSNEED. P.O. Kotagiri, area 120 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 

Elevation 4, 000 ft.. Coffee. Proprs. Messrs. A. R. Hajee Fakir Mahomed 

Sait & Sons. Mangr. Native 
ITTIHORAY. P.O. Tattapullm, area 77 acres, under cultivation 31 acres. 

Elevation 3,200 ft., Coffee Propr. Native Mangr. Owner 



KAIRBETTA & RAJIU1. P.O Kotagiri. area 213 acres, under cultivation 120 

acres Elevation 6,000 ft., Tea. Propr J. T. Murray, Mangr. A. C. 

Everzard. 
KAISER-I-HIND. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 666 acres, under cultivation 150 acres. 

Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee & Rubber. Propr. W. C Deane. Mangr. 

Owner. 
RAKAGOONDU. PO Kotagiri, area 50 acres, under cultivation 50 acres, 

Elevation 4,000 it., Coffee. Proprs Messrs A.R. Hajee, Fakir Mahomed 

Sait & Sons, 
KANNAHUTTY. --P.O. Tattapullum, area 100 acres, under cultivation 80 acres, 

Elevation 5,000 ft, Tea & Coffee. Proprss -Mrs L. Hatch, Mangr. 

Bayly & Brock, Ltd. 
KARTAIRY. P.O. Kateri, area 315 acres, under cultivation 75 acres. 

Elevation 6,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. Mulraj Khatao. Mangr. Native. 
KELLATURKUNNU. P.O. Nellacotta, area 63 acres, under cultivation 13 acres. 

Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
KELLY. P.O. Guynd, area 410 acres, under cultivation 330 acres, Elevation 

4,000 ft., Coffee, Tea and Cinchona Proprs.- Ouchterlony Trustees. 

Mangr. J. H Wapshare 
KENDONIE. P.O. Kotagiri, area 36 acres, under cultivation 30 acres, Elevation 

5,800ft., Coffee. Propr. F. J. Hill. Mangr. R. N. C. Grove. 
KENGARAI. P.O. KiJ-Kotagiri, area 208 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. 

Elevation 4,850 ft., Tea & Coffee. Propr. C, Lumsden Egan. Mangr. 

Owner. 

KERREA SHOL4.--P.O. Nellacotta, area 150 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. 

Elevation 3,700 ft., Coffee. Propr. B. Von Dulong. 
KHUS RABAO. P.O Gudalur, area 70 acres, uuder cultivation 70 acres, 

Elevation 4, 500 ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. Aboo Mahomed Sait. Mangr. 

Native. 
KINNACOORIE. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 185 acres, under cultivation 130 acres. 

Elevation 5,300 ft., Coffee. Propr. O. W Marden. Mangr. Owner. 
KINOLL. P. O. Coonoor, area 93 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. Elevation 

5,000 ft., Coffee. Proprss. Mrs. M. Brown, Mangr. G. F. Brown. 
KOAKURRU. P.O. Tattapullum, area 47 acres, under cultivation 12 acres. 

Elevation 4,300 ft., Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 
KODANAAD. P.O. Kotagiri, area 951 acres, under cultivation 367 acres. 

Elevation 6, 600 ft., Tea and Coffee. Propr. Trustees of the late T,G 

Hill. Mangr. W. A. Cherry. 

13 



194 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

KOLIAUTTY.P.O. Ootacamund, area 323 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. 
Elevation 4,700ft , Propr. Narain Iyer. Mangr. Native. 

K0TAKUL. -P.O. Kullakambay, area 100 acres, under cultivation 65 acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. k. S. Crum. Mangr.]. W. 
Trinder. 

KOTAIH. -P.O. KM-K na^iri, area 242 acres, under cultivation 118 acres. 
Elevation 4,850f.t , Tea and Coffee Propr. C. Lumsden Egan. Matter. 
Owner. 

KOTAH HALL P.O. Kotagiri, area 70 acres, under cultivation 21 acres. Ele- 
vation 6,200 ft., Tea, Cinchona and Coffee. Propr. Col. Hutchins. 
Mangr. Miss L. Norfor. 

KULHUTTY. P O. Kulhutty, area 110 acres, under cultivation 150 acres 
Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Proprs --Messrs. A. R. Hajee Fakeer 
Mahomed Sait & Sons. 

KULLIUD. P O Gudalur, area 793 acres, under cultivation 153 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr E G Wmdle. Mangr Owner. 

KULLOOR COMBAY. P O Coonoor, area 150 acres, under cultivation 150 
acres. Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Hajee Ismail Sait cS: Bros. 
Ma ngr.~~ Native 



LAURELS. P. O Nellacotta, area 211 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,500 ft , Coffee. Propr Native. Mangr Owner. 
LAUR1STON. P O. Guynd, area 490 acres, under cultivation 460 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,000 it., "Coffee, Cinchona and Tea Proprs. Ouchterlony 

Trustees. Mangr -]. H Wapshare. 
LEIGHWOOD. - P O Masanagudi, area 340 acres, under cultivation 120 acres. 

Elevation 6,000 it., Coffee, Rubber and Pepper. Propr.- -A. K. Hajee 

Fakeer Mahomed Sait & Sons. Mangr. F. C. Cunningham. 
LIDDLESDALE. -P O Naduvattum, area 250 acres, under cultivation 118 acres. 

Elevation 6,800 ft, Cinchona and Tea Propi W B. De Courcey. 

Mangr] C. Pereira. 
LILY OF THE VALLEY. P.O. Ootacamund, area 21 acres, under cultivation 

21 acres. Elevation 4,800 ft , Coffee. Propr. Aboo Mahomed Sait. 

Mangr. -Native 
LONGWOOD.- P.O. Kotagiri, area under cultivation 100 acres, Propr. 

I), J P Cockburn. 'Mangr. Owner. 
LITTLE IRELAND. P.O Coonoor, area 330 acres, under cultivation 300 

acres Elevation 5,000 ft., Tea. Prq/r. Alston Arbuthnot & Co. Mangr. 

-- P L 1). Beaver 
LOUSIANA. P.O. Kullakambay, area 222 acres, under cultivation 75 acres. 

Elevation 4~600 ft., Coffee" Propr.]. Stanes, Mangr. -N. S Stanes. 
LOVEDALE AND CRA1GMORE.--P.O. Ootacamund, area 105 acres, under 

cultivation 90 acres Elevation 7; 600 ft., Tea, Popr.~~~ F. David Dyas. 

Martyr. Owner. 
LOVE HILL.--P O. Tattapullum, area 120 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 

Elevation 4J800 ft., Tea and Coffee. Propr. V. A- Coshan. Mangrs. 

L. -A. Coshan and J. F. Coshan. 
LOWER TIGER ROCK. -P.O. Hillgrove, area 35 acres, under cultivation 

32 acres. Elevation 4,600 ft , Coffee. Proprs, Messrs. A. R. Hajee 

Fakeer Mahomed Sait & Sons. 



ESTATES DIRECTORY 195 

MADANAAD.P.O. Kotagiri, area 150 acres, under cultivation 140 acres. 

Elevation 4,700 ft., Coffee. Propr, Trustees of the late T. G. Hill, 

Mangr F. G. Lechler. 
MAILOOR. P.O. Kuliakambay, area 400 acres, under cultivation 225 acres. 

Elevation 4 5,000ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. A. S. Crum. Mangr. 

J. W. Trinder. 
MANAAR. P.O. Kullakamaby, area 280 acres, under cultivation 253 acres 

Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee. Propr E. G. Gore-Laugton. Mangr. 

N. Grey. 
MARAMUTTI. P.O. Nellacotta. area 357 acres, under cultivation CO acres. 

Elevation 8,800 ft,, Coffee, Tea, Pepper and Rubber Propr. -A. R. 

Ilajee Fakir Mahomed Salt &, Sons Mangr. Native. 

MARLIMUND. P O. Devasholah, area 160 acres, under cultivation 14-4 
acres Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee Propr P. M. Sathasiva Moodaliar. 
Mangr Native. 

MARVAJiUklA. -P.O. Kotagiri, area 500 acres, under cultivation 150 
acres Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Propr The late F W. Groves 
H S Groves and A. N. Groves. Mangr. W. W. Moir. 

MARYLAND.- -P. O. Gudalur, area 1,466 acres, under cultivation 105 
acres. Elevation 4,000 ft., Coffee and Tea Propr. ---'Mrs. J. Eagan and 
Trustee of the late E. W. Eagan. 

MARLIMUNl). P.O. Ootacamund, area 140 acres, under cultivation 60 
acres Elevation 7,500 ft., Cinchona Propr A. S. Cowdell. Mangr. 
Native 

MAYFIELl). P () Coonoor, area 133 acres, under cultivation 83 acres. 

Elevation 16,500ft , Coffee, Tea and Cinchona. Propr. S M. V. Shackar 

Meer Rowther & Co. Mangr Native 

MAYFIELl). P.O Katary. Coffee Propr S C. Browne 
MAYFIELD. PO. Nellakotta, area 2,036, under cultivation 927; Tea. 

Coffee and Pepper Elevation 3,300 ft Propr --E I Tea and Produce 

Co Mangrs J. C. Bisset and P A Naylor. 
MEEJEE. P O. Coonoor, area 120 acres, under cultivation 120 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft Coffee Propr. Meanjee Sait. Mangr. Native. 
MONTROSE. P.O (itiynd, area 394 acres, under cultivation nil. Elevation 

4,000ft. /Vo/>r.buchterlony Valley Trust. Mangr.]. H. Wapshare. 
MOOTENAAD. P O. Karteri, area 480 acres, under cultivation 200 acres. 

Elevation 5,300ft , Coffee, Cinchona. Propr Mnlraj Khatao Mangr. 

Native 

MOUTRE. PO Coonoor, area 1 4 ( J acres, under cultivation 75 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,000ft., Coffee. Proprs J Stanes, A. E. Ramsay, & L. A Rogers 
Mttngr - L. A. Rogers. 

MOUNTAIN GLEN. P O Kotagiri, area 102 acres, under cultivation 22 
acres Elevation 5,500 it., Coffee and Tea. Propr. T. W. Hall. Mangr 
O\\ ner 

MOUNT (iORDON. -P.O. Pykara, area 136 acres, under cultivation 45 acres. 
Elevation 6,600 ft., Tea. Propr. Ro \vson family. Mangr. W S 
Kovvson. 

IWUDDENASHOLAH. P.C) Ootacamund, area 57 acres, under cultivation 30 
acres Elevation 7,000 ft. / -ropr -~-J. Gounden. Lessee G. P. Scott. 
Mangr Native 

,1WULLANOOR. P O Coonoor, area 70 acres, under cultivation 55 acres. 
Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee and Tea Propr. Meeanjee Sait. Mangr 
Native 



196 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

MULLAPOOR. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 450 acres, under cultivation 65 acres. 
Elevation 4,500 it., Coffee. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co. Mangr. 
J. B. Vernede. 

MALLAiSENGUDI. -Propm. A. R. Hajee Fakir Mahomed Sail and Sons. Tea* 
Coffee and Pepper. Mangr, Thos. Hunt. 

MUNJACOMBAY. P.O. Kullakambay, area 360 acres, under cultivation 80 
acres. Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. A. S. Crum. Mangr. Owner. 

MUNJOOR. P.O. Coonoor, area 150 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,400 ft., Proprs Mrs. J. G Findlay. Mangr. P. E, G Mitcheson. 

NADUVATUM. P.O. Guynd, area 451 acres, under cultivation 370 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,000 ft , Tea, Coffee and Cinchona. Proprs. Ouchterlony Trustees. 
Mangr.]. H. Wapshare. 

NEEDARY. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 194 acres, elevation 3,500 ft , Coffee. 
Proprs. -Tliia Shola Estates Co., Ld. Mangr. -G. W. Church. 

NELLACOTTA. P.O. Davarshola, area 600 acres, under cultivation 200 acres. 
Elevation 3,600 ft., Coffee, Tea and Pepper. Proprs --A. R. Hajee Fakeer 
Mahomed Sait & Sons. 

NEW HOPE. P.O. Guynd, area 580 acres, under cultivation 500 acres Eleva- 
tion 4,000 ft., Tea. Proprs. Ouchterlony Trustees. Mangr. J. H. 
Wapshare. 

NITON. P.O. Kotagiri, area 47 acres, under cultivation 25 acres. Elevation 
6,500 ft., Tea and Cinchona, Proprs. -'Mrs. C. 15. Thornhill Mangr. 
Native 

NONSUCH. P.O. Coonoor, area 220 acres, under cultivation 144 acres. Eleva- 
tion 6,000ft., Tea. Propr L. L. Porter. Mangr. S C. Browne, 

NORTHBROOK. P.O Nellacotta, area 400 acres, under cultivation 355 acres. 
Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee and Cinchona. Propr. K.K. Walker. Mangr. 
E. H. Archer. 

NORTHERNHAY. P.O. Masanagudi, area 357 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. 
Elevation 6,000 ft , Coffee, Rubber and Pepper. Proprs. Messrs. A. 
R. Hajee Fakeer Mahomed Sait Sons, Mangr. F. C. Cunningham. 

NUNDHUTTY. P O. Gudalur, area 250 acres, under cultivation 100 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,000 ft., Coffee and Cinchona. Propr. Native. Mangr. Owner. 

ODAYHUNNEE. P.O., Tattapullum, area 37 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. 
Elevation 5,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. T. Stanes Co. Ld. 

OJEGUL. P.O. Kotagiri, area 51 acres, under cultivation 13 acres. Elevation 
4,600 ft , Coffee. Propr. Native. Mangr. Native. 

OKANADA. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 90 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. Eleva- 
tion 4,500 ft., Coffee. Propr.]. G. Findlay. Mangr. Owner. 

OLAND. P.O. Kullakambay, area 155 acres, under cultivation 140 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,500 ft., Coffee. Prop rs. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pascoe. Mangr. 
J.p. Waldeck 

OOLIEUT. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 331 acres, elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee & Tea, 
under cultivation 105 acres. Proprs. Thia Shola Estates Co., Ltd. 
Mangr.]. D. Cosens. 

OORIAMACUMBAY. P.O. Coonoor, area 30 acres, under cultivation 20 acres. 
Elevation 5,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. C. V. Narasiah, Mangr. J. G. 
Findlay. 

QSSINGTON. P.O. Nadu vat um, elevation 6,000 ft. , Tea and Cinchona. Proprs. 
Seaforth Plantations Co., Ltd. 



ESTATES DIRECTORY 197 

PALMER. P.O. Kullakambay, area 110 acres, under cultivation 110 acres. 
Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Rungiah Gownden. Mangr. Native. 

PANCHOORA. P.O. Nellacotta, area 73 acres, under cultivation 59 acres. 
Elevation 3,500 ft., Coffee, and Cinchona. Propr.Keith ^\est Mangr. 
Owner. 

PATTY COMBAY. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 350 acres, under cultivation 100 
acres. Elevation 4,800 ft., Coffee. Propr, W P." Scott. Mangr.- 
J. B. Vernede. 

'PEMBROKE. P.O. Kullakambay, area 180 acres, under cultivation 35 acres. 
Elevation 5,300 ft., Tea and Coffee. Propr, A. S. Dandison. Mangr. 
Owner. 

"PERIAMOTA. P.O. Gudalur, area 200 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,000 ft., Coffee and Tea. Propr. J. W. Minchin. Mangr. Owner. 

PERIASIOLAH.P.O. Seaforth, area 547 acres, under cultivation 240 acres- 
Elevation 2,500 ft., Coffee and Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co- 
Mangr.. A. F. Dalley. 

'PICKINGS. P:O. Ootacamund, area 18 acres, under cultivation 18 acres- 
Elevation 7,000ft., Tea. Propr. C. G. Brant. Mangr.- Native. 

VILLOOR. P.O. Coonoor, area 900 acres, under cultivation 500 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,000 ft., Coffee, Tea and Rubber. Proprs. Trustees of late J. 
Hunter. Mangrs. A. K. W. Downing and G. F. Browne. 

'POMANOO. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 225 acres, under cultivation 125 acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Proprs. K. Buchanan and C. Godfrey. 
Mangr. W. C. Deane. 

PROSPECT. P.O. Naduvatum, area 353 acres, under cultivation 324 acres 
Elevation 6,200 ft., Tea and Cinchona. Propr. W. K. Arbuthnot. 
Mangr. G. Rutter. 

PROSPECT.- P.O. Kil-Kotagiri. Elevation 6,000 ft., Coffee. Prop r. Seaforth 
Plantations Co., Ltd. Mangr. G. A. Rutter. 

PYKARA FALLS. P.O. Naduvatum, Seaforth Plantations Co., Ltd. 



HAHMANY. P.O. Ootacamund, area 163 acres, under cultivation 100 acres 

Elevation 7,700ft., Cinchona. Propr. E. G. Windle. Mangr. Owner. 
IRED HILL. P.O. Ootacamund, area 100 acres,, under cultivation 90 acres. 

Elevation 7,000 ft., Tea, Propr. Samuel Bates. Lessee. S. C. Browne. 

Mangr. S. C. Browne. 
WED HILL. The Kundah Hills, P.O. Ootacamund, 237 acres, under cultivation 

120 acres. Elevation 7,500 ft., Tea. Propr. W. Bates. Mangr 

H. Collins. 

ftlPPLEYALE. P.O. Coonoor, area 157 acres, under cultivation 45 acres. 

Elevation 5,800 ft., Tea. Propr. W. Mullaly. Mangr. Owner. 
HIVERSIDE. P.O. Naduvatum. Elevation 7,200 ft., Tea. Proprs. Seaforth 

Plantations Co., Ltd. 
HIYAZATH. P.O. Ootacamund, area 91 acres, under cultivation 30 acres. 

Elevation 7,000 ft., Cinchona. 7Vo/*. Aboo Mahomed Sait. Mangr.- 

Native. 

HOB ROY. P.O. Kotagiri, area 425 acres, under cultivation 260 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,600 ft., Tea. Proprs. Mr. and Mrs. E. Sydenham Clarke. Mangr. 
Owner. 

ROCK WOOD. P. O. Nellacotta, area 1,254 acres, under cultivation 390 acres. 
EleVation 4,500 ft., Cofeee and Tea. Propr. F. W. F. Fletcher. Mangr. 
Owner. 



198 NILGIKI GUIDE AND 



ROCKY GLEN. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 40 acres, , under cultivation 25 acresi 

Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. M*s. Sommqrville.. Mangr. O. 

W. Harden (Lessee). 
ROOKERY. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 671 acres, under cultivation 520 acres. 

Elevation 4,000 ft., Tea and Coffee. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co., Ltd, 

Mangr. J. B. Vernede. 
RUNNYMEDE. P.O. Coonoor, area 162 acres,, under cultivation 135 acres. 

Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee and Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co., Ltd. 

Ma ngr. Native. 



SALADA. P.O.,Kotagri, area 300 acres, under cultivation 25 acres. Elevation 
5,400 ft., Coffee. Propr. -J. West. Mangr Owner. 

SALISBURY. P.O Gudalur. Elevation 3,000 ft.', Coffee and Tea. Proprs. 
A R. Hajee Fakir Mahomed Sait & Sons. 

SANDY HILLS. P (). Guynd, area 400 acres. Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee, 
Propr]. II. Wapshare Mangr. M. J Hnssain 

SEAFORTH. P.O. Seaforth, area 2,289 acres, under cultivation 351 acres Ele- 
vation 4,000 ft., Tea. Proprs. Seaforth Plantations Co., Ltd. Mangr. 
- A. K. Pigott. 

SEEGOR. P O. Ootacamund, area 124 acres, under cultivation 15 acres. Eleva- 
tion 3,200 ft., Coffee. Propr. C. B. Barclay. Mangr. Owner. 

SHAMROCK. P O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 100 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. 
Elevation 4,700 ft., Coffee Propr. Doda. Moodah. Mangr. Owner. 

SHAMROCK. P.O. Nellacotta, area 228 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,500 it., Coffee. Proprs. A. R. Hajee Fakir Mahomed Sait 
& Sons. Mangr. Native, 

SHOLAH ROCK. P.O. Kateri, area 100 acres, under cultivation 90 acres. 
Elevation 5,750 it., Tea and Coffee. Propr. P. L. D. Beaver. Mangr. 
Owner. 

SHUNDAKARAL Hulicul, near Coonoor, Coffee. Propr . -S. C. Browne. 

SILVER OAK. P.O. Nellacotta, area 50 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,500 ft., Coffee and Pepper. Proprs. A. R. Hajee Fakir Maho- 
med Sait & Sons. 

S1NGARA* P.O. Coonoor, area 33 acres, under cultivation 25 acres. Elevation 
5,000ft., Coffee. Propr. A. N. Groves. Mangr. Owner. 

SLIEV MQR DAIRY FARM. P.O. Ootacamund, 150 acres arable land and 
pastures. Managing Owner C. W. F. Jennings. 

SOMERDALE. P.O. Ootacamund, area 270 acres. Tea, 20 acres and Cinchona 
35 acres. Elevation 7,000 ft. Managing Propr. C. P. Andrews. 

SOPHIA. P.O. Ootacamund, area 75 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,300 ft., Coffee. Propr. G. Oakes. Mangr. Owner. 

SPRINGFIELD. P.O. Coonoor, area 57 acres, under cultivation 47 acres. Ele- 
vation 5,600 ft., Tea. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co. Ltd. Mangr. 
M. A. d'Silva.. 

SPRINGHEAD P.O. Coonoor, area 25 acres, under cultivation 15 acres. Eleva- 
tion 6,500 ft:, Tea and Cinchona. Propr. Mrs. Oakley. Mangr.- 
Native, 

STANLEY. P.O. Naduvattam. Elevation 6,300 ft., Seaforth Plantations 
Co., Ltd. 

SUCCOTH.--P.O. Ootacamund, area 140 acres, under cultivation 100. acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Propr. C. B, Barclay. Mangr. Owner. 



ESTATES DIRECTORY L ( jft* 

SUFFOLK. P.O. Guynd, under cultivation 377 acres. Elevation 4, 000 ; l"t., Cofttp 

and Cinchona. Preens. Ouch terlony Trustees, fifangr. I. M, Smith 
SULTANA. P.O. Kullakambay. Proprs.-k.'R Hajee Fakir Sait. Mfingr 

J. G. Henzee. 
SUSAN. P.O. Nellacotta, area 175 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. Klevation 

3,500ft., Coffee, Tea, Pepper, and Rubber. Proprs.h. R. Hajee Fakir 

Mahomed Sait & Sons. Mangr.C. Sylk. 
SUSSEX. P.O. Nellacotta. Elevation 3,000 ft, Proprs.- i\ R. Hajee Fakir 

Mahomed Sait & Sons. Mangr A. W d'Souza. 
SUTTON. P.O. Kullakambay, area 278 acres, under cultivation 275 acrts Ele- 

vation 5,000 ft., Tea. Pro/)/-. J. Stanes Mangr N. J. Stanes 
SAV1NDLECOTE. P.O. Nellacotta, area J25 acres, under cultivation 1J5 acres. 

Elevation 3.000 ft., Coffee. Propr. B. W Wright Mangr ~ Owner. 

TAIMULLAI. P O. Kullakambay, area 400 acres, under cultivation -KM) acres- 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coftee and Te.'i Proprs. A R Hajee Fakir Maho- 
med Sait & Sons. 

TERRACE. P.O Naduvattam, area J64 acres, under cultivation 145 acres Ele- 
vation 7,000 ft., Cinchona, Tea. Propr A H. Whittle Mtui^r.^ 
W. J. Gifford 

TERRAM1A. P.O Kullakambay, area 580 acres, under cultivation J'^0 acres,. 
Klevation 5,500 ft., Tea and Coftee Propr A. S. Dan di son Mangr.-^- 
K F. H. Gerrard. 

TEROWIE. P.O. Coonoor, area 69 acres, under cultivation 5 acres Klevcition 
5,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. A. N. Groves. Mangr Owner. 

TBEDAKAAl). P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 5(> acres, under cultivation \\ acres. 

Elevation 4,800 ft., Coffee. Propr. T, Harrison Mangr. Owner. 
THIASHOLAH. P.O. Kil-Kundah. area 2,20 acres, under cultivation 154a(re^, 

Elevation 0,500 ft., Tea and Coffee Propr Thia Shola Estates Co . Ldl 

Mangr J D, Coscns. 
TKIER LODGE. P.O. and Rail, Katen, area 20 acres, under cultivation 2.Q 

acres. Elevation 6,500 ft., Tea. Propr. and Mangr. A. K. W Downing', 
TIGER LODGE. P.O. and Rail, Kateri. Tea and Coffee, Orchard Prop,- . 

A. K. W. Downing. 

TUDOR VALLEY, P.O. Kullakambay, area 94 acres, under cultivation -SO acres. 
Elevation 4,500ft , Coffee. Propr. E. G Gore Langton. Mfirtf*r -N. 
Grey, 

TULLOCflAKD. P.O. Kotagiri, area 240 acres, under cultivation 10.1 acres. 
Elevation 5,000ft., Tea. Propr. Mrs. Campbell Gompertz. Mawgr 
T. J. Kenna. 

TULLOES. P.O. Guynd, area 895 acres, under cultivation 265 acres Eleva- 
tion 5,000 ft. Proprs. -Ouchterlony Trustees. Mangr.'E. M. Samuel. 

TUTTAPULLUM. P.O. Tuttapullum, area 385 acres, under cultivation 1JS9 acres. 
Elevation 4,500 ft., Tea and Coffee. Propr. J. T, Fellows Wil&oft. 
Mangrs. Bayly and Brock. 

UMB1LLUMULLAY. P.O. Seaforth, area 280 acres, under cultivation 60 acres. 
Elevation 3,200ft., Coffee. Proprss. Mrs. Sinclair. Mangr.- Owner. 

UNDERFELL. P.O. Kotagiri, area 75 acres, under cultivation 25 acres Ele- 
vation 5,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Mundy Abdul Rahim. Mangr, -Native. 

UPPER DROOG. P.O. Kateri Rd., area 150 acres, under cultivation Of, ar.r s 
Tea. Propr. L. L. Porter. Mangr. . C. Browne. 

ilPPER TIGER ROCK. P.O. Coonoor, area 60' acres, under cultivation 60 acres. 
Elevation 4,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. Meanjee Sait. M#wr. Native. 



200 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

VARIDAY MULLAY.P.O. Coimbatore, area 500 acres, under cultivation 300 
acres. Elevation 4,500ft,, Coffee. Propr. J. Hedde. Mangr. A. E. 
Piatel. 

VENIL. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 100 acres, under cultivation 70 acres. Ele- 
vation 4,000 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Nilgiri Plantations Co., Ltd. Mangr. 
J. B. Vernede. 



WARWICK. P.O. Kotagiri, area 120 acres, under cultivation 67 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,700 ft., Tea. Proprss.Mrs. Campbell Gompertz. Mangr. T. J. 
Kenna. 

WATERFALL P.O. Ootacamund, area 50 acres, under cultivation 24 acres, 
Elevation 5,500ft., Coffee. Propr. P. F. Reilly. Mangr. Owner. 

WATERFORD. P.O. Nellacotta. area 143 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. 
Elevation 6,800 ft. Coffee, Tea, Pepper and Rubber. Proprs A. R. 
Hajee Fakir Mahomed ait & Sons. Mangr. Native. 

WELBECK. P.O. Ootacamund, area 150 acres, under cultivation 80 acres. 
Elevation 7,500 ft., Cinchona. Propr, J. G. Winthrop. Mangr. Owner. 

WENTWORTH.-P.O. Cherambadcly, area 3,798 acres, under cultivation 250 
acres. Elevation 3,000 ft., Tea and Cinchona. Propr. R. S. Anderson. 
Mangr. W. Mack inlay. 

WESTBURY. P.O. Ootacamund, area 500 acres, under cultivation 83 acres. 
Elevation 3,000 ft.. Coffee. Propr. R. L. Kindersley. Mangr. Owner. 

WEXFORD. P.O. Nellacotta, area 143 acres, under cultivation 40 acres. Ele- 
vation 3,800 ft., Coffee, Tea, Pepper and Rubber. Proprs.- A. R. Hajee 
Fakir Mahomed Sait& Sons. Mangr. Native. 

WHITBECK. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 163 acres, under cultivation 103 acres. 
Elevation 6, 500 ft., Cinchona. Propr. H. P. Hodgson. Mangr. Owner. 

WOODBRIAR. -P.O. Devarshola, area 607 acres, under cultivation 276 acres. 
Elevation 4,000 ft., Tea. Proprs. - E. and G. W. Fulcher. Mangr. ]. S. 
Nicolls. 

WOODCOTE. P.O. Coonoor, area 62 acres, under cultivation 54 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,700ft., Tea. Proprss. Miss M. F. Woolley. Mangr. Owner. 

WOODHOUSELEE. -P.O. Coonoor, area 40 acres, under cultivation 25 acres. 
Elevation 6,500 ft., Tea. 

WOODLANDS. P.O. Kullakambay, area 1,075 acres, under cultivation 300 acres. 
Elevation 5,000 ft., Coffee. Mangr. J. Harding Pascoe. 

WOODLANDS. P.O. Ootacamund, area 70 acres, under cultivation 34 acres. 
Elevation 7,200 ft., Tea. Propr. Jaghirdar of Arni. Mzngr* Native. 

WOODLEIGH. P.O. Kil-Kundah, area 52 acres, under cultivation 52 acres. 
Elevation 7,000 ft., Cinchona. Propr. H. P. Hodgson. Mangr. - Owner. 

WOODLEES. P.O. Kotagiri, area 80 acres, under cultivation 50 acres. Eleva- 
tion 5,500 ft., Coffee. Propr. J. T. Murray. Mangr. Owner. 

WOODROFFE. P.O. Kil-Kotagiri, area 250 acres, under cultivation 90 acres 
Elevation 4,600 ft., Coffee. Propr. G. Lamotte. Mangr. -Owner. 



YERAGHARDOO. P.O. Tuttapullum, area 300 acres, under cultivation 250 acres. 

Elevation 4,600 ft., Coffee. Proprs. Hajee Ismail Sait & Bros. k Mangr. 

Native. 
YELLAMULLAY. P.O. Seaforth, area 266 acres, under cultivation 190 acres. 

Elevation 3,800 ft., Tea. Proprs. Seaforth Plantations Co., Ltd. Mangr. 

A. R. Pigott. 



APPENDIX I 
General Information for Prospective Visitors 

ACCOMMODATION. Owing to the large influx of visitors from 
the beginning of March of each year, prospective visitors will do 
wisely to secure their hotel, boarding house, or house accommodation 
far in advance of their contemplated stay. Hotels begin to close 
their engagements as early as the December previous to the 
following suinmer season. 

It may here be stated that the hotels of the Nilgiris usually 
provide good bedding, linen, etc., and are in every essential of com- 
fort like the hotels at Home. The following Hotels are especially 
recommended : - 

Ootacamund : SYLKS HOTEL ; CENTRE HOTEL ; FIR GROVE 
HOTEL ; AND SHOREIIAM HOTEL ; all of which are thoroughly 
equipped and are under first class European management. 

Coonoor : HILL GROVE HOTEL, which is the oldest and 
most select hotel in that station, and which has been for the past 
thirty years under the present English management. 

Kotagiri : BLUE MOUNTAIN HOTEL, beautifully situated and 
replete with every comfort, is under the personal management of 
the proprietor. 

CLOTHING. Visitors to the Hills will find it advisable to 
-change into warm garments before arriving at the station of 
Mettupalaiyam, at the foot of the ghauts. In any case an overcoat 
should be reserved for the journey up the ghaut, to avoid a chill 
caused by the sudden change of temperature. 

BICYCLES. Many visitors are under the impression that a 
bicycle is of little use to .them on ihe- Hills. This' is not 'so. In 
getting about in any one of the stations a bicycle is of the greatest 
service, while there are many delightful runs to be obtained all over 
.the district. 



202 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

SERVANTS. During the season months, it is difficult to obtain 
good servants on the Hills. Visitors should bring with them their 
personal servants, ayahs and syces. 

TAXES. SERVANTS' TAX. Whether servants are imported 
or engaged in the station, a domestic servants' tax is imposed upon 
all residents of Clubs, Hotels, Boarding 'Houses $md (for the first 
three months) on tenants of rented houses, at the following rates: 

(1) On all male servants, Rs. 2 per mensem. (2) On all 
female servants, except grass cutters, Re. 1. (3) On all female 
grass cutters, two annas per mensem. 

WATER AND DRAINAGE TAX, half yearly, is levied upon the 
owners of houses at 8 per cent on the assessed rental value. Build- 
ings where water has not been laid on, or which are not situated 
within 150 yards of a hydrant, are exempted from half the water 
and drainage tax. 

CONVEYANCES. CARRIAGES. Comfortable rubber-tyred carri- 
ages may be engaged either in Ootacamund or Coonoor by the day 
or month. For a carriage and pair within the municipal limits the 
usual charge is Rs. 7 per day. Monthly rates, by special arrange- 
ment. From the Railway station to residence, Rs. 2 per trip. 

RICKSHAWS have become a very popular, mode -of -conveyance 
on the Hills, rates being about Rs. 1-8-0 per day for a single 
rickshaw, and Rs. .2-8-0 for a double rickshaw within municipal 
limits. Special terms are made for rickshaws engaged by the 
month or taken to outlying districts. 

MARKET PROVISIONS. Regular markets are held in Ootaca- 
mund and Coonoor on the Tuesday of each week. All vegetables 
and fruits and poultry supplies are best obtainable on these days. 
Mutton and beef are supplied whenever required by arrangement 
with local butchers. For further particulars apply ; Nilgiri I re- 
format ion Bureau, Ootacamund. 



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APPENDIX II 
Game Districts and Practical Hints to Sportsmei* 

The Nilgiris include a very large and varied field for sport in 
which big game and small, of all kinds, are to be found. In the 
Kundah hills, the .districts about Avalanche Valley, Makurty and 
Sispara are famous, for the so-called Nilgiri Ibex, which, as may be, 
noted by reference to page 138 of this volume, is in reality a kind of 
jungle sheep. These districts, with Bison Swamp, Bangai Tappal, 
and the region of the Bhavani river are all famous game district 
for Sambhur, rib-faced or barking deer, black buck, and an occa- 
sional tiger or panther. Of feathered game, jungle fowl and 
(during their season, from about the middle of October to the end of 
February) migratory wood-cock and snipe are to be had. The 
same remarks may be said to apply to the country about Coonoor 
Kotagiri, Kateri, Kolakumbai, and 'the upper plateau, generally. 
A good idea of the respective frequency of game may be gathered 
from the statistics of the Nilgiri Game Association as to the num- 
ber and respective kinds of game bagged during the year 1909 : 
viz. Sambhur, 59 ; Jungle-Sheep, 55 ; Panther, 21 ; Spotted Deer 
17 ; Black Buck, 10 ; Tiger, 7 ; Bison, 5 ; Ibex, 5 ; Bear, 4 ; and 
Hyena (killed by the Ooty Hunt at Brooklands), 1. 

For bison and elephants and all the above-mentioned game, 
except ibex, good localities on the lower slopes of the Hills may be 
found at Sigur, Masinagudi, Tippakadu, Bandipore, Anaikuti, 
Kullar, Mettupalaiyam, and Vellamundi. 

Certain restrictions as to particular districts, shooting licences ,, 
and the class and size of the game are made under the Nilgiri Game 
and Fish Preservation Act, as shown in the rules of the Nilgiri 
Game Association. We understand that these are at the moment of 
writing in course of revision, so that sportsmen intending to shoot 
on the Nilgiris are advised to apply to the Honorary Secretary of 
the Nilgiri Game Association (offices opposite Barton, Son and Co.* 



204 NILGIRI GUIDE AND DIRECTORY 

Ootacamund) for full particulars before making any definite 
arrangements. Sportsmen may find it convenient to put up at 
Travellers' Bungalows or Rest Homes detailed on pages 162-5. 
For camping an 80 pound field-tent and a small kitchen tent 
are recommended as most serviceable. Camp cot, blankets, cook- 
ing utensils and provisions for at least two days should be taken. 
Shikaries and gun coolies can usually be had at the village of 
Kandel, near the Ooty Club. A good Shikari, with a thorough 
knowledge of the country, may be obtained from Re. 1 a day with 
a batta allowance of 4 annas a day while on march. Gun coolies 
-can be obtained at 8 annas per day, with 4 annas batta. Pack- 
ponies for carrying tents and baggage (load 140 Ibs.) may be 
engaged at 10 annas per day. 



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