1842.] of the Himmalay a Mountains. lxxxvii 



the appearance of limestone, might from its non- effervescence, be called 

 schist; the pure blue limestone is, however, also found, and in consi- 

 derable quantity. 



190. The gypsum which is associated with this limestone, is of a 

 saccharoidal aspect, the colour being beautifully white, and the grain 

 fine. No crystals, except the most minute, have been observed. It is 

 found neither in beds or veins, but in superficial amorphous patches, 

 presenting an appearance of considerable singularity and interest. It 

 is always connected with the black non-effervescent rock described 

 in the preceding paragraph. The latter has very often the appearance 

 of reunited fragments, and the gypsum sometimes contains nodules of it. 

 Without doubt some connection exists between the origin, or at least 

 the present place, of this gypsum and this very singular rock, always 

 found in contact with the former, and not observed hitherto anywhere 

 but in the immediate vicinity of it. There is not the slightest appear- 

 ance of stratification in either rock. 



191. From Ranon to the summit of the ridge, (Mussooree Tuba,) 

 limestone prevails, and the varied and picturesque disposition of this 

 mountain sufficiently attests the character of the rock. In all countries it 

 has been observed, that not only are the limestone districts most fertile 

 and productive under the labours of agriculture, but that also when 

 abandoned to the hand of nature, they furnish the most picturesque and 

 beautiful scenery. The summit is composed of the same rock, and 

 constitutes one of the most romantic spots within the circuit of the 

 mountains. 



192. Advantage has been taken of the elevation, and the consequent 

 coolness of the climate, to establish a nursery garden at Saharunpore. 

 This is intended for the purpose of naturalising the more hardy plants 

 of the interior, that otherwise would languish and die, under the fer- 

 vors of a tropical sun if too suddenly transplanted. It promises to be 

 eminently successful, though as it had only been just begun when I 

 visited it, this opinion must rest on other grounds than experience ; no 

 doubt a favorable feature in the plan, though accidental, and not a dis- 

 posing reason for the original choice, is the nature of the rock; the 

 argillaceous and micaceous schists, the only rocks besides limestone 

 from which the selection lay, furnishing a very poor and meagre soil for 

 almost every description of produce. 



