of Salem and Barramahal. 183 



small distance below the surface of an extensive peninsula. 

 In the second, it never shews any evidence of having been 

 irrupted, intruded, nor forced by mechanical action in 

 among prior existing rocks. Thirdly, it is very durable and 

 persistent, the solid masses never shewing the slightest 

 sign of decay, nor action by the weather ; the oldest known 

 structures retaining their angles and inscription as perfect as 

 at the time of construction, and the tors and crags on the 

 summits of mountains exhibit sharp corners, and surfaces, 

 which appear to have defied the action of time for countless 

 ages, while, according to McCulloch, (Western Isles, vol. i. p. 

 217) it is remarked that " granite is a rock not often remark- 

 able for bearing the effects of time and weather." Fourthly, 

 and in the last and most important point, it never forms 

 veins into the adjacent rocks, nor does it even shew any 

 signs whatever of exerting metamorphic action upon adja- 

 cent rocks. 



This last point is of considerable importance, as upon it 

 rests principally the evidence of the intrusion of granite in 

 a state of fusion ; and although we are not as yet sufficiently 

 well acquainted with the characteristics of Indian granite to 

 attempt to disprove the European theories, yet it is to be 

 hoped that observers will in future bear in mind, that it is 

 not necessary for the advancement of our knowledge of the 

 works of nature, to assume that the prevailing theories of 

 the origin of the primary rocks have been deduced by 

 correct inference, and that they will in future give more at- 

 tention to the exact description of facts, and devote less 

 time and ingenuity in accommodating the results of observa- 

 tion to preconceived theories, which every one who has 

 learnt the true spirit of philosophy, will at once acknowledge 

 may be all wrong. 



I have not myself had opportunities of observing the 

 conjunction of the granite of the south of India with the 

 perfect series of schists which are found as we advance 



