ECONOMIC RESOURCES: IRON. 113 



that descriptions of ores of quite distinct character* have been coupled 

 with the assays of the magnetite, and thus conclusions have been drawn by 

 combining the abundance of the former with the richness of the latter, 

 which are not warranted by the real facts of the case. 



That within the limits of the sub-division, inexhaustible deposits of 

 magnetite may exist is quite possible. I know of places in the south- 

 east of the Manbhoom District'' where such is the case ; and many of the 

 chief deposits of magnetite throughout India occur in rocks of the same 

 geological age as those which form the greater part of Palamow. 



My observations were limited to mere superficial examination of the 

 ground, there being no time for opening up trenches. I believe, however, 

 that I have seen all the principal sources of iron within the tract under 

 review, and am compelled to regard it as being most improbable that 

 any considerable deposit exists clearly exposed. Any very remark- 

 able deposit other than those about to be described would almost 

 certainly have been brought to notice by the natives. There is ample 

 consolation, however, afforded by the fact that, although the ores which 

 have been mainly instrumental in attracting attention to Palamow are 

 not of great promise themselves, there are others whose quality and abun- 

 dance are of a most satisfactory nature. Before describing these latter, 

 it will be necessary to give a detailed account of observations made on 

 the several deposits of magnetite which have been visited. The follow- 

 ing is a list of the villages in whose vicinity these deposits respectively 

 occur :— 



Eajhara'^ . . TuppeH"' Ban. 



Lunkha . . „ „ 



Kopeh, (south-west). „ „ 



„ (south-east) . „ 5> 



Satbarwah . . „ „ 



» e. g., the laterite of Neturhat. 

 ^ These are in the sub-metamorphic rocks. 



' This is quite a distinct locality from Rajhara in the Daltonganj field. It is situated 

 east of the Mylee river, and northwards from Satbarwah, 



'' Tuppeh is a local term corresponding, I believe, to parganah. 



H ( 113 ) 



