Eastern Branch of the River Indus and Runn. 571 
posterity in its present shape, Considering the frequent occurrence of 
earthquakes in Cutch, and the volcanic appearance of many of its hills, 
it does not seem otherwise than reasonable to have recourse to one of 
these concussions of nature to account for the foundation of such a tradi- 
tion, and though it would be difficult to determine the precise period when 
it occurred, I do not despair of being able to prove from the present state 
of the country, that such an event did take place at some time or other. 
I conceive the Runn between Cutch and Sinde to have been once very 
different from its present state, and my object will be to prove the two fol- 
lowing propositions :-— 
First, That Cutch has in all probability been separated from Sinde by an 
influx of the sea caused by an earthquake, and that the Runn which now 
intervenes between the countries has been, without doubt, at some time 
or other an inland navigable sea. 
Second, That the present state of the Runn, which is neither that of 
a navigable sea, or one at all, has been brought about by a chain of causes 
quite in accordance with the laws of nature. 
A reference to the map of the Runn* and its banks, illustrates the 
shape of this tract, and is compiled from survey and personal obser- 
vation. The peculiar conformation of the north-eastern part of Cutch 
at Bhaila should be observed. It will be seen that it extends itself till it 
terminates abruptly in a chain of hills overhanging the Runn, and which 
attain in some places a perpendicular height of nearly three hundred feet. 
The islands of Carir and Pacham on the Runn lie due west of this range, 
and are not only composed of the same sort of iron-stone as these hills, 
but have similar ranges running through their northern extremities which 
terminate also, particularly Carér, in an abrupt and bluff outline towards 
the north, the Runn approaching close under them. Carir is separated 
from Cutch by a belt of Runn about five miles broad, and that island 
again from the Pacham by another belt of sixteen miles, and of all other 
places of the Run these two are most frequently under water. These 
circumstances, therefore, with the lineal position of the hills, afford con- 
siderable proof that these three could have been but one range of hills, and 
* It has not been considered necessary to annex this Map, since it will be shortly published 
by Mr. Jouwn Arrowsmiru, in his new Atlas, under Lieut. Burnes’s directions. 
Vor. III. 4 E 
