KHASI HILLS. 181 



The principal localities of the manufacture are at Chattuc and 

 at SonamguBge, and . along the banks of the river Soorma between 

 these two villages {a). The rude kilns in which the stone is burnt 

 stretch for miles along either bank of the river : and the many large 

 and well-constructed buildings, in which the lirae is stored until required 

 for market, give an aspect of wealth, comfort, and prosperity to the 

 district which contrasts forcibly with the almost unlimited extent of marsh 

 and jlieel that bounds the view on either side lower down the river. 



Almost the entire range of the limestone quarries, along the base of the 

 hills Eastward from Laour to Burrghat belong to the firm of Inglis and 

 Co., whose jDrincipal Establishment is located at Chatiuc. "Westwards, 

 some smaller quarries are in the hands of Mrs. Stark, Mr. Sarkies, 

 and of some native merchants. 



The extent and importance of the trade will be more evident from 

 a consideration of the quantity of stone raised au- 



Quantity raised. 



nuall}', and of the quantity of lime produced. 



On an average of 10 years, ending in November ISol, the amount of 

 limestone quarried on the borders of the Khasi Hills is stated to have 

 been annually : — 



By Messrs. Inglis and Co., Maunds 14.48,550 



„ Mrs. Stark, J\lr. Sarkies and native 



merchants, „ 2,31,500 



Total average amount quarried annually, ... „ 16,80,050 



equal to 60,000 tons of limestone yearly (b). 



(a) The name of the latter village, (Sonamgiinge,) appears to bo derived from this niu- 

 nufaeture, and to be a corruption of Chanamgunge or lime village. It is a large and popu- 

 lous place, and the market-town for an extensive district. It is beautifully situated on 

 the Soorma ivhere this river makes a sudden bend to the South, and commands an extended 

 view of the range of hills to the North. 



(6) I am indebted to the kindness of Henry Inglis, Esq., Cherra Poonjee, for tlie 

 above information, CNtracted from the books of the firm for me : Mr. luglis states that, " tlie 

 quantity given above, as burnt by natives, may have been a little less, certainly not more. 



