280 



Note on the Latekite of Okissa, by W. T. Blanfoed, Geological 

 Survey of India. 



In my notes on the Geology of Orissa, embodied in the preceding 



^, . . ,, ^ paper, I mentioned some of the peculiarities of 



Object of the present i r ' r 



paper- the mode of occurrence of the " laterite" so widely 



distributed in that province, and especially io the southern portion of 

 it. Amongst these peculiarities, I remarked on the manner in which 

 it forms a raised terrace-like plain, surrounding the hills, and rising to 

 a greater height above the sea towards the west than to the east; 

 its absence above a certain level in each locality, and its variable thick- 

 ness, as also the peculiar form it assumes in the northern parts of the 

 province. The object of the present note is to describe more fully the 

 cii'cumstances attending the appearance of this remarkable rock, and to 

 suggest briefly a few theoretical explanations which may account for 

 some of its characteristics. And in so doing, I cannot pretend completely 

 to explain its origin. I confess myself unable entirely to appreciate the 

 causes of its very singular nature and constitution, nor is it surprising 

 that what has proved a riddle to probably every investigator of Indian 

 Geology should still remain unsolved. Neither do I wish the conclusion 

 to be drawn that what may serve to explain the mode of occurrence of 

 " laterite" in one position in Orissa will equally account for its exhibi- 

 tion in other localities ; e. g. in the enormous masses which cap the 

 Rajmahal Hills in places. I only wish to offer, rather as suggestions 

 than as theories, hypotheses which may partially explain its existence in 

 the locality which has fallen more particularly under my notice ; trust- 

 ing that if my present views should, as they very possibly may, hereafter 

 prove erroneous, they may nevertheless have the effect of drawing the 

 attention of more competent observers to the study of this rock,, and that 

 the latter may, by clearly explaining its origin, remove a stumbling block 

 from the path of Indian Geology, and a disgrace from its reputation. 



