252 GEOGNOSY OF INDIA. 



drachhillum, in the bed of the Godavery ; at Sumbhulpore, 

 in the district of the Mahanuddy ; and at Pannah, in Bun- 

 delcund. In all these so called diamond districts, there are 

 deposites of sandstone and alluvium ; and in some instances 

 at no great distance appear igneous rocks, as trap and 

 granite. The diamond is obtained by washing the alluvial 

 sands, clays, loams, and conglomerates; it is said also 

 to have been met with in the sandstone. If the diamond 

 be of icrneous origin, we might explain its occurrence in 

 the sandstone by the action of igneous rocks under the 

 sandstone ; if of aqueous origin, by the gradual attraction 

 and combination of the adamantine carbonaceous particles, 

 diffused through the sandstone or alluvium. From facts in 

 our possession, it is even not improbable that this gem may 

 at times appear as a vegetable secretion, just as is the case 

 •with the silicious substance named tabasheer, found in the 

 joints of the bamboo. 



Coal is said to occur in connexion with some of the sand- 

 stone deposites, and mineral oil and pitch near to springs. 

 Sulphur, although but in small quantity, was found by Dr. 

 Heyne near the Godavery, deposited from a shallow lake 

 which extends several miles from north to south. 



Metalliferous Minerals. — GoW.— This metal, although in 

 small quantities, has been obtained by washing the alluvial 

 soil of several of the rivers. Silver also, but in small quan- 

 tities, has been noticed in this quarter of India. Irmu— 

 This metal in the states of oxide, hydrate, carbonate, and 

 sulphuret, is met with in many parts of the peninsula. 

 Iron mines and forges occur in the Mysore, at Coimbetoor, 

 Malabar, and in the Bundelcund country. At present the 

 whole of the mining and metallurgical operations are in the 

 hands of the natives, and consequently are carried on in 

 the worst possible manner. Iron to any extent might be 

 obtained from the great beds and veins distributed through- 

 out the country, and sold at such a rate as to banish all 

 foreign competition. Copper. — The general use of copper 

 or brass utensils among the natives of India, and the pre- 

 ference given to them before all other kinds of vessels, 

 seem to show that in all probability copper was formerly 

 obtained in India in considerable quantity.* At present 



* Colonel Tod says there are abundant copper-mines in Bajasfban, 

 and also mines of im. 



