356 On the Course of the River Nerbudda. [[No. 161. 



to perform, heating one of the boilers of the steam engine fifteen 

 minutes sooner than the Scotch coal. 



The iron found at the same place has already been proved to be of 

 the very best kind. The late Col. Presgrave constructed an iron sus- 

 pension bridge of similar iron (found at Tendoo Khera on the north 

 bank of the Nerbudda) at Saugor, which is at this present moment in 

 as good order as the day it was made, 10 or 15 years ago. Having such 

 coal, iron, and lime (which abounds), furnaces and founderies should 

 be erected at Benar, rails made, and the whole of the material supplied 

 for the rail communication of India. 



The produce of the richest country in India, the Nerbudda valley, 

 would then find its way into the market ; the wheats and white linseed 

 now so much admired, and justly appreciated, would be attainable every 

 where for seed, or consumption, and a country paying about 10 or 15 

 lakhs of land revenue (I do not include more than the Nerbudda 

 valley and Baitool) would give triple that amount without being felt. So 

 long as the present inefficient mode of carrying away the produce of an 

 extensive agricultural district remains in use, the value of the land 

 must be low ; but on the abandonment of Bunjarra bullock-carriage and 

 the adoption of rail lines, the prices of wheat, boot gram, linseed, &c, 

 would more than triple themselves. It often happens that wheat sells 

 for from 90 to 110 seers (90 Sicca weight) for a rupee; gram, 110 

 to 120 seers ; linseed, 80 to 90 seers for one rupee ; all of which grains 

 are of the most superior description, and unequalled in India. Cotton, 

 sugar, &c. are also produced, of the best description. 



The part of the map I have now the pleasure to send, completes the 

 course of the River from Jubulpoor to Hoshungabad ; I have added the 

 coal and iron sites, and trust that the information may be acceptable. 



J. H. OUSELEY, 



Agent Govr. Genl. S. W. F. 

 2nd August, 1845. 



