Chap. IV. 1.] metamohphic hocks. 89 



Ponmullay, and Erumbeesprum Pagoda Rock, with Retnaglieny and 

 Togamullay to the west, are all composed of quartzo-felspathic gneiss, and 

 owe their present form in great part to the hardness and mode of wea- 

 thering of this variety of gneiss. Great part of the surface of these bosses 

 has been quarried as building material for the religious edifices erected on 

 them, and the workmen have taken advantage of the readiness with which 

 the stone may be split off in concentric surfaces. The country around 

 these hills is also undulating and rounded in its surface, except where 

 igneous rocks occur, when it becomes more rugged in its character. 



The region of hornblendic gneiss, on the other hand, "with its fre- 

 quently alternating beds of schist and quartzo-felspathic gneiss, is diversi- 

 fied by numerous ridges and conical Mils, surrounded by an almost level 

 country. Very few of these features, however, are seen on the southern 

 edge of our map, as this variety of the metamorphic rocks just comes in 

 at the edge ; but Verarlymullay and the Madura mountains further to 

 the south exhibit the characteristic scenery we have described above. 



M (.311) 



