BALAGATE Mountains, a chain of mountains which divides the coast of Malabar from that of Coromandel, running almost the whole length of the peninsula on this side the Ganges. Some parts of them are covered with fine red earth, which is blown by the strong west winds as far as the island of Ceylon; and when the rays of the sun are reflected from these mountains, they seem to be all on fire. They make surprising alterations in the seasons; for on the north side of cape Comorin, it is winter in May, June, July, August, and September, in which months it is summer on the south side of the cape; on one side there are continual tempests, thunder and lightning, while the other enjoys a constant serenity. When black clouds are gathered about the mountains, they are followed by sudden rain, which causes the overflowing of the rivers, and chokes them up with sand, inasmuch that they are unnavigable for some time afterwards. The buildings and clothes of the inhabitants are scarce sufficient to defend them from the weather. They live upon rice, milk, roots, and herbs, with very little meat: they have likewise a sort of small arrac, but are never given to drunkenness; nor do they import foreign vices, for they never travel abroad.