204 Report on the Geology, Zoology, 8fC. [No. 135. 



The higher and mountainous parts of the country are composed of 

 limestone and red marl, and the plains, when an outcrop is seen, of sand- 

 stone and conglomerate, the former being sometimes of a green color, 

 and but little inclined. At Kullur Kahar, the conglomerate is uncon- 

 formable to the other rocks, and in its character differs from that rock 

 at Jelalpore, in the limestone containing no organic remains. Proceeding 

 onwards W. N. W., we cross many mountain streams or nullas, all of 

 them in general receiving the name of Soane, owing to the sand on their 

 banks containing gold, for which it is extensively washed during every 

 month of the year ; that of December, January, and February excepted. 

 The gold obtained is similar to that found on the banks of the Indus. 

 From Muzan to Maree the country is still open, till within three coss of 

 the latter, when the mountains contract, forming a narrow defile, the 

 saliferous rocks on either side rising to a height of two and three hundred 

 feet. As we approach near the banks of the river, the country is covered 

 with boulders of trap, granite, syenite, hornstone, porphyry, &c. 



Maree and Kalabdgh. — Of all geological sites in India, there are pro- 

 bably none more interesting or important than that comprehended under 

 Maree and Kalabagh, the former on the East, the latter on the West 

 side of the river Indus, and distant from each other about half coss ; 

 interesting for the nature, position, and organic remains which the 

 rocks contain ; and important from its mineralogical riches. 



Rocks. — 1. Magnesian Limestone. 



2. New red Sandstone. 



3. Fossiliferous Limestone. 



4. Red Marl and Sandstone, with 

 i. Coal and Mineral Sulphur, 

 ii. Rock Salt. 



iii. Gypsum. 



iv. Brown and red Iron Ore. 



v. Alum Slate. 

 The oldest rock met with is the magnesian limestone, which varies 

 in color from pale grey to dark blue ; fracture more or less conchoidal, 

 with an earthy aspect ; hornstone occurs in it in layers or imbedded 

 masses. The lower beds are destitute of organic remains, but the 

 upper abound in them ; the most common fossils being marine shells 

 belonging to the genera producti, spirifer, gryphaea, nautilus, &c. 



