Geology of the Meywar. District.. '. 388 



great diversity of the rocks, and the difference . which exists 

 among them, as to hardness and durability, be taken into ac- 

 count ; but the nature of the cHmate in which they occur must 

 also be considered. 



In the district under consideration, we observe a great differ- 

 ence to exist in the features of the rock; and we see the harder 

 and more durable penetrating as it were through the substance 

 . of the softer, and appearing in the form of peaks, denticulated 

 ridges, or the white quartzy ridges described above. It is suffi- 

 ciently obvious, wherever a bed of a hard rock, as quartz, 

 occurs, associated with strata very liable to be acted on by the 

 atmosphere, rains, &c., that: (whatever its previous situation 

 may have been) it will, in the course of tixne, occupy the highest 

 situation. The appearance of this part of the country is in ex- 

 act accordance with this principle. But I have said that the 

 climate must be taken into consideration ; and there can be no 

 doubt that this operates in rendering the general causes alluded 

 to. more powerful. 



For three or four months. of the year .we are exposed to the 

 scorching influence '. of. the hot winds, which blow continually 

 from one quarter, and par-ch the whole face of the country. 

 During this winter of India (for by no other name can I call it) 

 every thing presents a complete system of desolation and life- 

 lessness. The trees lose their leaves, and vegetation is com- 

 pletely at a stand, except in the instance of the mangoe-tree, and 

 other evergreens. The hills are deprived of their covering ; not 

 a shrub, not a green blade of grass, is to be seen, and the ani- 

 mal as well as vegetable creation seems equally to sink under the 

 oppressive heat. 



This season is immediately followed by the rains, which, at 

 their commencement, fall in torrents, and are accompanied by 

 tremendous thunder storms. The eftect of this deluge on the 

 parched ground may be easily conceived. Immense rents and^ 

 crevices are formed ; and the hill-torrents, which at that time 

 come down with amazing velocity and force, carry before them 

 every thing which opposes their progress. When a considerable 

 quantity of rain has fallen, there is generally a cessation for se- 

 veral days. The crevices and seams, in the soil and rocks, are 



JANUARY MARCH 1829- Z 



