Page:A descriptive and historical account of the Godavery District in the presidency of Madras (IA descriptivehisto00morrrich).pdf/21

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DISTRICT. 3

and moro trenched upon by hill and forest, till it is restricted to a fringe of eultivation along the river’s bank, while, on the right, the country somewhat improves, and, though still hilly, is more open. The junction of the Wainganga is hidden from view hy the hifls. he barrier itself lies elosed in by rocky hills and dense forests, a narrow strip being left on the right bank. Below the barrier the iver is called the Pranhita. On the left the hills at first arrange them- sclyes in picturesque groups, onc of which has been compared to the group of the Seven Mountains on the Rhine, and after that continue for many miles almost to overhang the river, sometimes displaying the fine foliage and blossoms of the teak-tree down to tho water's edge. On the opposite side the next noticeable feature is the mouth of the Bibria stream, justly noted for its beauty. Further down, on the left side, the only point of note is Sironcha, with its old fort over- looking the water ; the country continuing to be hilly or jungly with patches of cultivation. But, on the other side, the junction of the Godavery proper causes great, tongues of land and broad basins to be formed, all which are partially cultivated, and are dotted over by several towns. Then hills of some variety and beauty cluster thick round the second or middlo barrier. The junction of the Indrdvati also is concealed by the hills. Below this, on the left side, long ranges of hills, rising one above the other, ran almost parallel with the river, till the junction of the T4l is reached. On the opposite side the country is more cultivated and open, and marked by the towns of Nagaram and Mangampet. Below the latter place, again, the sacred hill of Rutab Gutta rises into view, immediately opposite to Dumagidem, where the headquarters of the navigation department are established, Proceeding downwards, at tho first or lower bar- Tier tho country is comparatively level on both sides, and this bar- tier is far less formidable than the two preceding ones. Below the barrier, down to the junction of the Sabari, the prominent object on the British side consists of the small hills of Bhadraéchalam, crowned with the cupolas, cones, and spires of Hindu temples. On the opposite side is the Tank region, which extending inland somo 250 miles to heyond Warangole, the capital of the anciont Telingana, is marked by the remains of countless works of agricultural improyve- ment, attesting a wisdom in the past not known to the native dynas- ties of the present. Near the junction of the Sabari the river scenery begins to assume an imposing appearance. Hitherto, as it passed each barrier and gained successive steps in its course, the �