280 Notes on the South Mahratta Country, fyc. [No. 160. 



surface. Its longitudinal direction is various, but generally S. 25° 

 W., indicating the E. S. E. and W. N. W. direction of the current 

 which caused them. The ripple marks on the sandstones of Cuddapah 

 and Kurnool have a general similar direction. 



At the bottom of the deep fissures in the sandstone cliffs already 

 described, accumulations have formed of fallen fragments of rock, 

 sticks and leaves, &c. from above, intermingled with the dung and bones 

 of bats, rats and wild pigeons, with a few sheep and goat bones. 

 Some of the latter have the appearance of having been gnawed by 

 hyenas, jackals, or other beasts of prey. Many however are evidently 

 the remains of animals that have fallen from above, as the bones are 

 fractured. 



The upper portions of these fissures have sometimes been choked by 

 rock and rubbish from above. Their sides, though generally smooth, 

 are marked with shallow polished grooves. 



I made two excavations through the floor of the principal fissure, in 

 the hope of meeting with organic remains, but in vain. After pene- 

 trating the surface layer of loose stones, and bats' dung, a fine red 

 earth was met with, imbedding angular fragments of sandstone, and 

 a few rounded pebbles of it and quartz. After digging for about four 

 or five feet through this, farther progress was prevented by great blocks 

 of solid rock. 



The seeds of creepers and other plants vegetate on this soil, and 

 shoot rapidly towards the surface, shading the fissures with their 

 leaves. 



On the cliffs near the falls, on the right bank of the river, stands 

 a small group of Hindu temples dedicated to Siva. The principal 

 shrine is a massive and elaborately carved structure of sandstone, 

 elevated on a high, well built pediment above the reach of the ordinary 

 floods. 



Seven years ago, three of the steps of the northern flight ascending 

 this terrace were submerged by an extraordinary rise of the river. The 

 Vimana of this temple contains the Phallitic emblem of Siva, the 

 Linga> guarded by the sacred bull. Here we passed the heat of the 

 day. On the opposite bank of the river rises a well wooded hill, 

 about 100 feet above the brink of the rapid, on which stand a few 

 ruins of other Hindu religious structures. 



