1834.] in the Eastern Districts of Mysore. 467 



over that the earth being washed off, there appeared hardly any iron 

 mixed with what remained, and I frequently perceived the golden ore 

 (though in very small quantity) adhering by itself to the board into 

 which it had been collected. 



Any metal found in dust on the banks of a river may fairly be sup- 

 posed to have been driven and deposited there by the stream. I was 

 accordingly induced to suppose that this ore was not homogeneous to 

 the soil where it was found, and in order to convince myself of it, I 

 examined the stratum on the course of the river, about one mile higher 

 up towards its source, and found it equally impregnated with the ore. 

 I then returned to the spot where it was found in greatest abundance, 

 and having extracted earth from a hole about two feet deep, the same 

 being tried yielded nothing but iron. Though this experiment was 

 favourable to my opinion, I had cause afterwards to regret not hav- 

 ing examined the stratum at this part of the river in a more extensive 

 manner. 



A variety of circumstances compelled me at this time to extend my 

 observations no further ; and my want of professional knowledge would 

 have induced me to give up the pursuit, had not it been for the follow- 

 ing circumstances : 



My preceding observations on this subject having been communicat- 

 ed to several persons high in rank under the Madras Presidency, and 

 the report having gone abroad that gold mines had been discovered in 

 Mysore, it excited the curiosity of some friends, who recommended that 

 I should revisit the impregnated tract and extend my inquiries as far as 

 I was able. 



From a consciousness of my inability, I confess that I did not under- 

 take the task without some hesitation. Having however had an oppor- 

 tunity of meeting the Dewan of the Raja of Mysore at Bangalore, in 

 April, and having found him disposed to assist my exertions as much as 

 lay in his power, I resolved on revisiting the mines at Marcupam, and 

 leaving Bangalore on the 19th of April, I arrived at Cargury on the same 

 day*. 



When once a subject has been started, the mind easily follows it up, 

 and a variety of circumstances, originally slightly considered, recur na- 

 turally to our recollection, as they tend to support a favourite opinion, 

 and to forward the object of our pursuits. 



As I surveyed the pergunnah of Uscotta, in the year 1800, I heard 

 a story told by the Bramins, the purport of which was, that " in pros- 



* A small village on the west bank of the Poni-aur river, in the province of 

 Uscotta, fifteen miles distant from Bangalore. 

 2 o 2 



