1834.] ancient Town discovered near Seluiranpur. 223 



The fall or difference in level between the bed of the Nogaon and 

 that of the Muskura river, at the point where the khala joins it, was 

 previous to the present canal works being constructed about 21 feet, 

 on a line with all its tortuosities not exceeding three miles ! Nowitwould 

 be supposed that had the canal formerly passed over this line, without 

 masonry or other works to protect it from erosion, the wear and tearof 

 such a rapid would in a very short space of time have connected the 

 Nogaon with the Muskura, and thrown all the waters of the former 

 down the latter's channel. It is perfectly evident, that this did not 

 take place, for such an event must, when once established, have 

 remained ; a point which almost ensures one of two surmises ; — ei- 

 ther that the ancient canal never was opened, or kept open for 

 any length of time ; or that works were constructed in this neigh- 

 bourhood. These works might have been at the spot where these 

 antiquities have been found : such was my idea on the discoveries 

 being laid open, and such was the impression under which I visited 

 the spot after it had been pointed out to me, and I must confess that 

 the reasons were so strong in favor of this being the mere ruin of old 

 canal works, that I was considerably biassed in favor of the supposition, 

 that at this spot had been the descent or fall by which the difference 

 of level had been accomplished. On examination however, this idea was 

 completely annulled, for the distinct stratum of black soil, filled with bits 

 of pot and bone so exactly corresponding with the sites of ancient vil- 

 lages now existing on the surface, and this stratum extending for a 

 continuance, placed the matter in a far different light, completely laying 

 aside the possibility of this either having been the remains of a canal 

 work, or with reference to the coins, &c. the probability of its being a 

 mere deposit caused by transportation. There is not a doubt on my 

 mind of this being a town submerged, the reasons and causes of which 

 may be ascribed not only to the proximity of rows, but to the effects of 

 winds; in short the filling in of a hollow. But when this happened, 

 or what were the features of the country's surface at the period 

 previous to this taking place, may well remain an enigma ; for look- 

 ing around us at the present day, we find the position of towns 

 and villages invariably fixed either on the highest spots or on 

 the slopes of valleys ! Now, was this town at the period of its existence 

 high or even partially so, with reference to the surrounding country, to 

 what date can we possibly look to its existence ? And how picture to 

 ourselves the face of the neighbouring country ? There is no doubt 

 however that this town is of great antiquity, and to those conversant in 

 these matters, and I cannot refer myself to one more so than yourself, a 



