86 ball: geology of the rajmehal hills. 



Patna, but its very uncertain composition lays it open to the same objec- 

 tions as those which affect kunkur as a source of lime for smelting 

 purposes. 



The principal localities within our area at which it has been found 

 are : — 



1. Mohwagarhi hill, on the north flank of the hill near the village 



of Amdiha and on the south near Belaidiha. 



2. In a valley south-east of Chundna and south of Rajabhita. 



3. Between the villages of Gongfci and Simurtola, which are both 



east of Bindrabun. 



It may be useful to mention in this connection, that in a report 



by Mr. James Barratt on the iron-works, &c., of Birbhum, mention is 



made of a source of lime which, though outside the 

 Limestone. 



area at present under description, is not very far 



distant. I did not examine that part of the country, so can simply quote 



Mr. Barratt 's words : — 



" At Seethacubber, about two miles soutb-west from Doonika, a bed of compact 

 limestone bas recently been discovered, cropping out from tbe banks of a small stream 

 wbicb can be seen for six feet thick, and still continuing under tbe bed of tbe stream. 

 The exact thickness cannot be obtained before mining operations are carried out. * * 

 This is a very desirable material in this property, being abundant, and can be obtained 

 in any quantity for smelting or other purpose." 



pottery clays. 



Clays suitable for pottery are obtained in the Damuda rocks at 

 Patharghata and Lohundia. Pottery works exist (1870) at Pathar- 

 ghata, but have not been in active operation lately. This is owing- 

 chiefly to the slackness in demand for the articles which can be manu- 

 factured there, not to absence of material. In many parts of the hills 

 there are intertrappean clays commonly called" Jchari by the natives. 

 Different colored varieties are used as pigments, and in some cases as 

 medicines. A sort of confection made of one of these is sold in the 

 Calcutta bazar under the name Rajmehal mati. 



( 240 ) 



