Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/524

458 then governor-general of India. It was purchased after his departure from the Neilgherries by a civilian high in rank, and as high in Christian character. This godly man personally laboured with the villagers about him, and invited the German missionaries on the western coast to commence a mission among that part of the hill population known as the Badagas or Burghers. At his death, he left the house with other property for the continuance of the mission commenced under his auspices. Now, despoiled of its rich furniture, its carpets, and mirrors, it is the dwelling of three simple-hearted and earnest German missionaries. The library has become a chapel, and poor, half-naked Badagas move where once gay lords and ladies assembled for the feast and dance. Little did Lord Elphinstone think that he was laying out grounds, planting trees, and building halls for these humble, but not less honourable men.

The Badagas (changed to Burghers by the English) are the farmers of the Neilgherries. They are now some twelve thousand in number, and, as their name indicates, came from the north. According to their own account, their ancestors fled to the hills six generations since,