1842.] of the Himmalay a Mountains. xvii 



a proof, if it were wanting, that we are still but imperfectly acquainted 

 with the structure of the globe. 



22. The length of the Indo-Gangetic chain is about 340 miles, 

 as denned on one side by the Kalapanee fountain, one of the sources of 

 the Kalee, where our first precise knowledge of it commences, and 

 on the other by its termination in the plain country, which is sufficient- 

 ly sudden to be definite. From its gradually decreasing elevation along 

 this line, it is natural to infer, that it is but a ramification of that 

 more extensive line of water-heads, (Art. 5,) which would exclude 

 from the central plateau all the mountain tract watered by the 

 Sanpo and the Indus, as well as by the Ganges. We are not then 

 to suppose that in crossing the Indo-Gangetic chain, we have made 

 a near, or even the nearest appulse to the great table land of Tartary ; 13 

 we are equally near it in the basin of the Ganges. But if this central 

 plateau really means any thing, it must be something distinct from 

 its surrounding barrier of mountain land, or if not, all the river basins 

 are equally entitled to the appellation. 



23. Next in extent to the Indo-Gangetic chain are the two principal 



ramifications ; viz. that which separates the subordinate basin of the 



Jumna from that of the Ganges Proper, and that of the latter river from 



that of the Kalee. From their origin in the parent ridge to where they 



are lost in the plain country, their length is about 1 60 miles. Like the 



principal chain, they cease suddenly, nor is there any trace either in the 



Dooab or in Rohilkund of a continuation of them, however obscure. 14 



below the level of the Saharunpore cantonment, (month of March.) At Badshahee 

 Mahul, it is 200 feet. Here then is a water-head capable of supplying any number 

 of canals, and for a continuance the Ganges offers similar facilities for Rohilkund. 

 The elevation of its bed at Hurdwar is 1,000 feet above the sea, while that of 

 Mooradabad is only 609 feet. 



13 The bed of the Sutlej can by no figure be termed a table land, for it is a 

 deep valley shut in by lofty mountains. But even if it were, it is not the table 

 land of Tartary, which is the country watered by the Oxus and Jaxartes. It is 

 a strange mistake which is made, and by many who have the reputation of being 

 well informed, that of confounding the Calmuck or Mongolian race with the Tartars, 

 and their country with Tartary, whereas no two races can be more distinctly marked 

 than these are. It was the country of Thibet, and not Tartary, which Captain 

 Webb saw, and which is inhabited by a tribe of Calmucks or Eleuths. 



14 A levelling operation which I executed some years ago, connecting Seharunpore 

 with the Jumna, and which furnished the result mentioned in the note, page xvii. 

 established also a more unexpected conclusion; viz. that the ground in the immedi- 

 ate vicinity of the river for a short distance rises to the height of forty-five feet 

 above its level in the cold season. 



D 



