185362.] CARNATIC : EIGHT DISTRICTS. 231 



lies almost flat, the plains sloping very gradually towards CHAP, 

 the sea. From observation taken with an Aneroid Barome- _ _ J 

 ter, it appears that the level of the former varies from 250 

 to 300 feet, and of the latter from 80 to 120 feet, above the 

 sea. Below the above mentioned soil, gravel of different 

 descriptions, and kunkur, or decomposed gneiss, are met 

 with ; and in some spots occassional strata of crystaline 

 limestone crop up through the gneiss. The granite forma- 

 tion is chiefly found in the northern portion of the district, 

 and is met with at various depths below the kunkur and 

 gneiss. That which is termed " decomposed gneiss" may 

 perhaps be a species of disintegrated rocks of a compara- 

 tively late formation. The northern part of this district is 

 intersected by numerous small streams, and the Cotton 

 fields are consequently well drained. 



Climate. " During the dry months, or from January to 320 

 September, the heat is excessive. During the South-west 

 monsoon, there are occasional showers in the north of the 

 district, especially in the more western portion of the Cotton 

 fields. The North-east monsoon continues from the middle 

 of October to January ; and during its prevalence, rain falls 

 generally over the whole district. Irrigation is not employ- 

 ed for the growth of Cotton in this district. A return, 

 showing the fall of rain from January to December 1857, is 

 given on the following page. Rain Gauges are kept at all 

 the chief stations. 



