Abstract

I arrived at Chirala on the 19th and left for Chilakalavorepeta where I arrived the same evening, having journeyed 24 miles unenlivened by the vast stretches of sorghum fields skirting the road all the way. This village is, as Indians estimate it, an important centre in the tract where the famous Ongole breed is reared and lies on the Guntur- Ongole road. The predominating soils of this tract are black loams or alluviums brought down and deposited by the several jungle streams which with their torrents obstruct the passage of a hapless footman or carter on a rainy day, but yield readily to a soil-digger when they are dry. These streams pursue a winding course, and by their very. sluggishness at low water, ensure an unfailing supply for cattle roaming into them to quench their thirst or have a plunge. They drain the surrounding country very well and grass grows rich and in large quantities on lands lying near. The two features which give this tract an eminence for its breed of cattle are the plentiful grazing and good water supply. Many villages have grown up on the banks of these streams and the important ones are Dandamudi, Uppilipadu, Cottipadu, Velore and Snadepadu all which I visited.

Keywords: