110 Scientific Intelligence. 
formation respecting the oeihiggate from which supplies of fuel can be 
drawn, must prove interesting, and not less so the capabilities for the 
manufacture of iron. Hitherto ‘hea iron mines of India—though yield- 
ing i i s annemora— 
port; and the coal-fields, though of great richness and ee have 
lain neglected, principally from the same cause. The coal-fields of 
India are largely distributed over its surface ; coal has sit pata from 
Bu 
district of Sohagpore to Jubulpore, the neighborhood of Sak, and the 
Towa River, in Nerbudda—four hundred and twenty miles from Burd- 
wan. In the same parallel of latitude it is found in the province of 
Cutch, and is extended across the centre of India, to the northeast ex- 
tremity of Assam, forming a zone, which stretches from 69° to 
east longitude, and from 20° to 25° ndith latitude. There are also. two 
situations. where coal has been found distinct from this extensive and 
well-defined. belt—Hurdwar and Attock—the first near the source of 
the Ganges; the latter, near that of the Indus. The Nerbudda river 
extends seven hundred miles along the very centre of the above zone; 
and coal in three situations has already been found on its banks. e 
Burdwan coal-field is of immense importance ; the collieries at present 
opened are situated one hundred and forty miles from Calcutta, and 
the district is traversed by two rivers—the Damooda and the Adjii; the 
face of the country is undulating, presenting a difference of level be- 
tween the heights and valleys of about sixty feet. The surface is com- 
posed of a yellow clay, supporting a good soil—both slightly calcare- 
ous; this clay rests on a grey sandstone, which effervesces with acids, 
seven feet in thickness; and where exposed to the air, in many places 
an efflorescence of wate.d is found upon it. Beneath this rock, an infe- 
rior coal is found, accompanied by shale, containing impressions of 
an — over the low hills, and oes deep beneath the 
ina a northwest line for seven miles—thus forming a curve, Ata 
depth "of about ee pass two beds of excellent coal occur—one, eight 
feet, and the other nine feet in thickness; below these, thirteen beds of 
sandstone and shales occur; and the greatest depth reached is eighty- 
eight feet, where the excavation is terminated by a hard grey sandstone. 
The whole district abounds in rich and valuable iron ores of various 
pense. The average of the ores ae aifty 5 per cent. of iron. 4 
prospectus, drawn up in 1828, pointing out the benefits likely to 
arise from establishing iron-works in India, led to the formation of _ 
¥ 
the pres position of the coal and iron sear cts. 
3. On iin Cleavage; by Danigt SHarre, (Quart. J 1. Geol 
Soc., No, 9, p. 74.)—Mr. Sharpe commences his very csi wat article 
