276 KING: KADAPAH AND KARNUL FORMATIONS. [PART IV. 
The lead found in the region is a very fine galena; and though 
Ore good, aud apparent- We only saw poor specimens of it iz situ at the 
Iyin ERE time of our visit, still the fragments found lying 
about among the debris from numerous excavations were very rich in 
ore; while we have since seen some fine and massive specimens which 
were reported to have come from the same region. Mr. Wall calls the 
2 
mineral “silver-lead ore," and according to an analysis made in the 
Bengal Mint and referred to by him the percentage of silver is very 
large. 
There seems every probability of this being a good mining region,* 
as far as the traces of ore are concerned: and it is now within much 
more easy reach of Madras, owing to the opening of the north-western 
line of railway, than it was when Mr. Wall made his report. There 
is not a good supply of water, though this could be obviated by dam- 
ming up some of the stream-valleys which are wet enough between 
June and October; and thus a good supply, and a fall in case of such a 
power being wanted, might be ready for working operations in the 
healthy season. There is not a very large supply of fire-wood, as the 
forest here has been very recklessly thinned, but sufficient might be 
obtained to give the necessary fuel required in the workings. Mr. Walls 
rather favourable accounts of the resources of these mines is certainly 
now enhanced by freer communication with Madras. 
There is a locality of old lead mining in the Palnád. These work- 
ings were in the north-eastern extremity of the Waumyconda range, 
just behind and above the village of Karampudi, among pale grey and 
whitish silicious limestones of the Cumbum slates. 
* Some very fine specimens of massive cubical galena were lately shown to me by 
Colonel A. S. Maberly, R. E., Superintending Engineer of the district, who had got them 
from his Assistant (Mr. Lewis), who was at the time stationed near Nundiallumpett. I had 
no opportunity of seeing Mr. Lewis after that, but I understood that he had obtained these 
fine specimens from the neighbourhood of Jungumrajpilly. 
(IDA) 
