1 



406 



Geology of Bundelcund and Jubbulpore. 



[No, 125. 



Ghaut. Here for the first time, traces of limestone are discernible. 

 These increase as we advance, and bring us at length to the great cal- 

 careous formation, at the military cantonment of Lohargong.* The first 

 intimation I had of this new field of geological research, was the disco- 

 vering several species of shells on the banks of a nullah at Cuckurettee, 

 from which I inferred the near vicinity of calcareous rock; as it has 

 been observed by naturalists, that the Testacse are only met with in 

 soils abounding in this elementary earth. Between Cuckurettee and 

 Lohargong, pieces of rock are found at the surfaces, striated in an un- 

 common manner, and disposed into very thin layers. It appears to be a 

 mixed formation of sandstone and limestone, the latter predominating ; 

 but whether it is extensive or not, I am unable to say, as the masses 

 were quite solitary and detached, nor did I observe any projecting 

 from below the surface. 



At the cantonments of Lohargong the calcareous rock shews itself 

 decidedly, and impresses a striking character on the country around.f 

 It is quite near the surface, and in many places even forms it, having 

 no earthy covering whatever. It is evidently a secondary formation, 

 and as I afterwards ascertained, one of considerable extent. In a jour- 

 ney which I made from Saugor, I could perceive indications of it six or 

 seven miles to the westward, and in the other direction it is found in 

 combination with clay schists, as far the bottom of the Kopah hills,J 

 distant twelve miles from Lohargong. This rock is not distantly strati- 

 fied, (as far as it was possible for me to observe,) but lies on the same 

 general level with the plain, having its denuded surface convex or 

 slightly rounded off. It possesses great compactness, and exhibits no 

 signs of disintegration. On the contrary, exposure appears to harden 

 it, by communicating to the bare surface a sort of semi- cry staline, 

 or stalagmitic crust. 



From this arises I conceive the bleakness, and inhospitable character 

 that pervades the district, the ground being little cultivated, and bear- 

 ing only a reed-like grass. By reducing the lime to the quick state, and 

 mixing it with the neighbouring soils, some improvement might proba- 

 bly be effected ; and at all events, as far as a horticultural experiment 

 may afford evidence, it seems worthy of trial by the residents on the 



Sp, 13 to 15. 



t Sp. No. 15. 



t No. 16 and 17. 



