71ic Naturalist i/i India 303 



Fleming, belong to the carboniferous period (Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc, 1853 and 

 1862 ; also, Journ. As. Soc, Beng., 1853, &c.). The plateaus, excepting where 

 extensive denudation has taken place, are covered with rounded pebbles, mostly 

 formed from the breaking up of the limestone beds. Salt is found in veins in 

 various situations, more especially among the sandstone and marl beds in the 

 neighbourhood of KuUer Kahar, where there are extensive salt mines. The 

 barren and sunburnt appearance of these mountains strikes the traveller; indeed, 

 it is chiefly on that account that they become a safe retreat to the wild sheep, 

 for, except in the cultivated districts, these dreary and desolate wastes are seldom 

 disturbed by man." — (P. 138.) 



"The ravines in the district of Jubba have a peculiar appearance. Viewed 

 from a height they present a series of worn and angular-shaped hillocks, inter- 

 sected by narrow defiles, by no means inviting to the traveller, for not a blade 

 of grass is visible, and the disintegrated red sandstone and marl suggest the idea 

 of sleeping volcanic embers, which we found during the heat of mid-day had 

 more than a mere resemblance. I do not think I have ever witnessed a scene 

 so perfect in its desolation. However, we determined to descend in spite of the 

 stewing heat and reflection from the hillocks on each side. Whilst threading our 

 way among a series of narrow lanes we came on a young houriar (Caprovis 

 Vignei), just dropped, and evidently abandoned by its mother on seeing us ap- 

 proach. Several herds of rams (which separate from the ewes during the 

 breeding season) were observed dashing across ravines, offering a snap shot 

 occasionally. As we anticipated, the heat by noon became excessive, and our 

 thirst intolerable. No water could be procured save what was strongly im- 

 pregnated with salt. At last exhausted, I gave in, and must have been verging 

 on a coup de soldi, as my senses began to leave me, and I felt that both eyesight 

 and hearing were rapidly failing, accompanied by a loud buzzing sound in both 

 ears. In this condition I lay stretched on one of the red banks, whilst the 

 Shikaree set off in search of a spring. I think I may have remained for nearly 

 half an hour in this condition when I was aroused by the voice of a native, and 

 looking up, beheld a half naked man carrying a basin of milk and platter full 

 of cakes, which he at once begged I would accept. This good Samaritan had 

 seen my distress from his grass-built hut on the top of a neighbouring hill, 

 where he resided for the purpose of guarding a vein of salt. Never can I forget 

 the kindness of the poor fellow, who, unsolicited, came to my aid at a time his 

 services were so sorely needed." — (P. 150.) 



In strong contrast to the desolation of this region is the country 

 near the Chor Moinitain in the sub-Himmalayan district. 



" We recrossed the Gerrie on the 26th of March. The day was charming, 

 and the scenery of that beautiful and sylvan description so characteristic of 

 many sub-Himmalayan valleys. At our feet rolled the river, dashing furiously 

 over its rough limestone bed, and gradually becoming less turbulent, until settling 

 down to a quiet yet mighty flood, it moved steadily onward through the valley, 

 the sides of which were clad with the gayest attire of spring. The oak, plane, 

 wild apple, apricot, &c., sent forth their various shades of gi-een. Many were 

 in blossom, and the deep purple of the pomegranate's petals added a richness to 

 all around. Above us rose a hill covered with profusion of bush and tree, where 



