MEMOIRS 



OF THE 



GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA. 



On the Geology op the Salt Range in the Punjab, ^^ A. B. 

 Wynne, F.G.S., Geological Survey of India, 



CHAPTER I, 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The Salt Range has long- been known as one of the most interesting 

 The rano-e Its im- ^^^ important regions in British India, its geolo- 

 portant character. gical interest being enhanced by its highly fossili- 



ferous rocks, and its importance chiefly derived from the enormous 

 deposits of rock-salt which it contains. 



Its mineral wealth,* doubtless, early prompted the acquisition of 

 Early acquamtance information concerning it, and years before the 

 mth its importance. eonquest of the Punjab by the British Govern- 



ment, while the eventful campaign in Afghanistan was taking place, 

 British officers penetrated the wild countries then upon our frontier, not 

 always without risk of life and armed hostility; and returned to report, 

 amongst other things, upon the geology of the district under notice. 



* The Government receipts from the Cis-Indus Salt Mines for the years 1867 to 1871 

 (excluding Kalabagh) exceeded £1,474,549 (Rept., Inland Customs, official year 1870-71, 

 p. 14). "The average yearly revenue from the whole department of the Salt Eange for 

 the last five years was £382,653 " (MS. letter from H. Wright, Esq., Collector, Shahpur, July 

 29, 1872). The rate at which the salt is sold is Es. 3-1 per maund, or 6*. \\d, (at par) 

 for 123 lbs. 



Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Ihdia, Vol, XIV, Art. 1. 



