KHASI HILLS. 167 ' 



Along the base of the hills, from the parallel of Cherra Poonjee, to 

 Burr-ghat, not continuously, but with few interruptions so far as I kuow, 

 limestone is found extensively almost at the level of the plains. Now 

 this limestone is of very similar character to that which is also found at 

 the top of the ridge. It contains many of the same fossils, and altogether 

 is very like the beds above. It is invariably at considerable ano-les of 

 inclination, from 40" to 60° (instead of horizontal as in the hills), and for 

 the most part this inclination dips away from the general range. This is 

 well seen South of Burr-ghat, and may also be noticed near to Teria-o-hat. 

 Resting upon this low-lying limestone there occurs a great thickness of 

 sandstones of varying character, with intercalated shales. These are well 

 seen in the banks of the Harry river, leading up to Burr-ghat ; and 

 throughout, they appear conformable to the limestone. As I have already 

 stated, that in consequence of the season of tlie year, it was unsafe to visit 

 these locaUties, I can only mention the occurrence of these rocks, and 

 regret that I could not more satisfactorily examine them. But, couplino- 



the remarkable similarity of the limestones above 

 great" faulte. ™^ '^^ ^ ^'^^ below, with the remarkable continuity of the 



beds at the base, I think there is evidence to show 



that the present steep face of the hills on the South is formed along a great 



line of disturbance and elevation, stretching nearly due East and West; 



and that from this the very remarkable rectilineity in the direction of this 



range has resulted. The direction of this line of steep escarpments 



coincides with the direction of the granitic elevations, and has possibly 



resulted from the same ioTce.(a) 



Accompanying this great disturbance there is also some confusion along 



the face of the hills, arising from the necessary 

 LandsUps, &o. ' & j 



occurrence of many great slips and fallen masses ; 

 and, the whole surface subsequently becoming densely clothed with forest, 



(a) Di'. McClellaud indicated the existence of a great fault along this line in his 

 accounts of the structure of these hills. Reports, Coal Committee, 1838. 



