340 On Wells used in Foundations in Upper India. [\April, 



pounded brick. For water cement the Hursoroo lime with a proper 

 proportion of this red bujree may perhaps be considered as superior to 

 all others attainable in this part of the world. 



In conclusion : — the Saul ( Shorea robusta) which is found in 

 great quantities in the Deyra Dhoon, and especially on the northern 

 slope of the Sewaliks, is the wood chiefly used on the Canal works 

 for piles, rafters, lock gates, sleepers, windlasses, vanes, &c. &c. The 

 Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), Toon (Cedrela toona), Sirr (Acacia 

 serissa), are used in doors, door frames, mill machinery, &c. For 

 handles of tools, pickaxes, phaoras, arbors of mill wheels, &c. the 

 Acacia catechu (or Kyr) the wood from which the Terra japonica of 

 commerce is procured, and which grows in great abundance in the 

 forests south of the Sewaliks, and the Acacia arabica (or Keekur) 

 are chiefly in request. For Neemchuks of wells the natives always 

 select the Dhak or Plass ( Butea frondosa ) , and if this is not to be had 

 prefer the wood of the Ficus Indica, F Bengalensis, Bombax Mala- 

 bar icus (Semmid, or cotton tree) ; the Horse radish tree (the Hg- 

 peranthera morunga of botanists) is also used : — in fact, all the light 

 woods which are valued as floats for rafting timbers are considered 

 better than others for the curbs of wells. The Neem (Melia aza- 

 dirachta) is a useful wood for small rafters, door frames, &c. from 

 being less liable to the attack of white ants. A variety of Pine 

 (Pinus longifolia) which grows in extensive forests in the Sewalik 

 mountains is held in no esteem by the natives; it is good for making 

 light boxes and common furniture, but in attempting to bring it into 

 use on the works I have failed ; very capital tar,* however, is procured 

 from it, as well as turpentine. 



To Mr. acting Sub-Conductor John Pigott, Overseer of the northern 

 division of the Canal, under whose charge the greater part of the 

 works from which the above data on well-foundations have been form- 

 ed, I am indebted for much valuable aid; his introduction of the 

 windlass in sinking wells has not only led to a great saving of expense, 

 but added much to the facility of depressing them. His general quick- 

 ness, moreover, at resources under sudden and unexpected difficulties, 

 which can only be appreciated by those who have seen the effects of 

 the Roas, or mountain torrents in the rainy months, is deserving of 

 the best acknowledgment that I can offer him. 



Northern Doab, Mag 8th, 1839. 



* Vide vol.2 page 219, of the Journal. The Editor here uses the word turpen- 

 tine for tar. The manufacture of tar, and not turpentine is described ; the error was 

 not corrected at the time.— Author's note, 



