34 On the Red Marl Formation of Mysore. 



might claim a first rate place in the acquisition of the 

 knowledge required for a proper elucidation of the subject. 



The geology of South India has been stigmatised as mono- 

 tonous, and as in great measure devoid of interest. In this 

 opinion I cannot concur ; for I have found in the examination 

 of the Salam district, which is a particularly marked granitic 

 formation, the most majestic piles of rocks, the most wonder- 

 ful associations, the most extraordinary and attractive deve- 

 lopment of particular phenomena, and the most exciting 

 variety and interest. It is true the formations are continuous 

 and extensive, perhaps therefore monotonous to some ; but 

 the utmost facility is thus afforded to multiply the observa- 

 tion of facts, and to ensure the correctness of consequent 

 deductions. It is true that the examination of such a forma- 

 tion cannot afford amusement to an idle hour, and the best 

 memory would fail in attempting to compare observations in 

 detached points, unless aided by minute and laborious 

 examinations, and the careful use of ink and paper. 



What may be called the red clay formation of Mysore 

 is one of these, so-called, " monotonous" formations ; but 

 being one of the most extensive and continuous in South 

 India, is also one of the most interesting. I have not had 

 the opportunity of traversing its whole extent, and can by 

 no means pretend to describe it perfectly, but hoping to be 

 able to correct some errors, as well as to draw more 

 attention to the subject, and perhaps to elicit information 

 which may be now in abeyance, I shall do my endeavour to 

 state the results of my own observations as well as I am able. 



A similar formation to that of Mysore is unknown in 

 South India, and the district in which it occurs is the most 

 elevated in that part of the country, being about 3,000 feet 

 above the level of the sea. The extent of this formation 

 I am unable to determine, and I have been unable to find 

 the necessary information in the works to which I have 

 access. Bangalore, Oossoor, Pedda Ballapoor, and Nun- 



