354

INDIA

wide accommodation unapproachable on the Makran
coast, and is a subject of periodic difficulty, even in such
ports as Karachi and Bombay. The narrow channel of
the former is only kept clear by constant dredging ; and
the entrance of large steamers to Bombay is only effected
under favourable tidal conditions.
On both east and west coasts the estuaries of great
rivers lead to a shallowing of the sea approach for many
miles from land, the rivers themselves failing to cut out a
submarine channel which would render navigation easy.
The Indus on the west is only navigated (like the Godavari
 on the east) by shallow flat-bottomed steamers of the
very lightest draught ; and off Coconada, which marks the
mouth of the Godavari, it is hardly possible for ships of
any size to anchor within sight of land. On all coasts
alike there is an unceasing surf, rendering the process of
landing difficult and occasionally dangerous. This is, of
course, very much modified in the harbours and indentations
 of the coast.
[t is impossible to touch the subject of India’s coastine
 without reference to those ¢ backwaters” which add so
much to the magnificence of the Ghat scenery of Western
India. Here the sea runs in narrow inlets, which are
shaped in long reaches more or less parallel to the coastline,
 and extend in long arms of smooth water, sheltered
and bordered by steep hills covered with dense vegetation,
reaching from the water's edge up to their mist-crowned
heights. More than one great artist besides Turner has
sought inspiration from the scenery of the Western Ghats
and seas. They are as remarkable for the peculiarity of
‘heir formation as for their unique beauty.
The effect of the monsoon rains in restoring the
vigour of sun-dried nature, its influence on all the varied
conditions of animal and vegetable life, is infinitely more
narked by the strong contrasts presented before and
after its appearance, than it would be under the influences
of more temperate phases of climate.
The effect of the unclouded rays of early summer sun
on the heated plains of Northern India is a recurrent