1842.] Geology of Bundelcund and Jubbulpore. 401 



tion, it must have been carried much more extensively in former years 

 than at present. 



Red ferruginous gravel, the matrix of the diamond, may be consider- 

 ed as terminating the regular formations of the hills in this part of 

 Bundelcund, the order from below being granite, trap, or basalt sand- 

 stone and gravel. 



In taking a comprehensive view of these four formations as develop- 

 ed at the different sites mentioned, whether singly or in combination, 

 we must at the same time consider the qualities of the soil in the inter- 

 mediate and adjoining districts derived from them. 



The prevailing soil in Bundelcund, and indeed all the way between the 

 rivers Jumna and Nerbudda, is the black coarse earth already alluded 

 to, consisting apparently of a larger proportion of clay and carbonized 

 vegetable remains than is found in the lands to the north of the for- 

 mer stream. It retains moisture more perfectly than the common 

 soil of Hindostan, hence its miriness in the rainy season, and its disposi- 

 tion to unite into masses, and form rifts and cracks during the dry and 

 hot weather. Even in its driest state, however, it has not the stony 

 compactness of pure clay soils, but when separated in small pieces 

 from the mass, is found to be friable and easily reduced to powder. 

 I think it probable, that this contains a proportion of magnesian earth, 

 though never having subjected it to chemical analysis, I am not 

 warranted in drawing this inference from any accurate data. It is 

 reckoned exceedingly fertile, and the richness of the Bundelcund 

 lands, where this soil predominates, is quite proverbial in India. From 

 its quality of retaining moisture, the process of irrigation is not so fre- 

 quently resorted to, and the labour of the husbandman becomes thereby 

 lessened. Greater exertions, however, are necessary for preparing it for the 

 seed, and in keeping it clear of weeds, than we see applied to the lands 

 in Hindostan generally. A long grass, not unlike some of the trouble- 

 some varieties at home, was then springing up every where, at the time 

 I passed through the district, and formed the only obstacle to the 

 ploughing then going on in all directions. 



One would imagine that the above characters of the soil would affect 

 the atmosphere, and render the climate of Bundelcund moist and un- 

 healthy. As far as my own observation extends, agues are very 

 prevalent in the whole of the low country, and sometimes prove so 



