xviii Report of the Mineralogical Survey [No. 126*. 



The great disproportion in the length of these branches compared with 

 those thrown off to the Sutlej, is very striking, (Art. 20.) 



24. From these, as well as from the main chain, proceed a multitude 

 of other ridges, and from these again a third set, and so on till the area 

 becomes covered with this intricate ramification, which but for the 

 assistance derived from observing the courses of the rivers, would almost 

 bid defiance to any analysis. The longest of these, is that which 

 separates the principal branches of the Ganges Proper ; the Bhageerettee 

 and the Alecknunda, of the Jumna ; the Jumna Proper, and Fouse, and 

 of the Kalee ; the Gunjeea, and the Ramgunga. These vary from fifty 

 to 100 miles in length. It would be useless to enumerate the others, 

 especially as they have no distinctive appellations. Nor would the enu- 

 meration add any clearness to our idea of the aspect of the country. 

 Suffice it to say, that as they descend in the scale of subordination, they 

 become shorter, and diminish in elevation. 15 



25. All the passes leading into the country of Oondes, are situated in 

 the main chain, it being indeed the only one, as will be evident from the 

 foregoing description, necessary to be traversed between the Dooab and 

 valley of the Sutlej, unless for the convenience of a better road, or 

 more regular supplies. These passes have all, with the exception of 

 three, been visited, and their height above the sea determined, ex- 

 cepting the main pass, of which though supposed to be the highest, it is 

 to be regretted Mr. Tate, the Surveyor, who visited it has left us no 

 measurement. The higher points of the chain are not so well ascertain- 

 ed in all their details, owing partly to their not being visible, and partly 

 to an idea which has prevailed of their great inferiority to the southern 

 peaks, or those included within the Gangetic basin, and consequently 

 ramifications from this chain. 



26. It appears however to be sufficiently established, that from lati- 

 tude 31° 23', longitude 77° 50', the elevation of this chain is considerable, 

 being with the exception of a few passes, clothed in the livery of snow 

 all the year round. Its tendency to fall off in that direction is evinced 

 by the gradually decreasing height of the passes, and from the latter 

 point to its termination, little snow is seen, excepting during the winter 

 months. In latitude 30° 35', longitude 17', the 77° elevations of what 



15 This is to be understood, however, only in a general sense, as in many instances 

 the subordinate ridge rises to a greater elevation than that from which it ramifies. 



