42 MIDDLEMISS: GEOLOGY OF HAZARA AND BLACK MOUNTAIN. 



limestones which are interbedded, though varying considerably in differ- 

 ent localities, are, as a whole, in comparatively thin layers. Where 

 very thin they are nodular rather than concretionary, the nodules being 

 very nearly though not quite separated from the matrix. They are 

 generally about the size and shape of a hand with fingers closed. 



The shales and marls are exceedingly splintery, and vary in colour 

 from a pale grey or drab to a pale greenish-grey and sometimes to a 

 dark grey. However dark they may become they never approach 

 the deep soot-black of the Spiti shales, whilst their tendency to 

 splinter rather than to split into laminae further distinguishes them. 



These upper shales, marls, and nodular limestones are much more 

 fossiliferous than the lower beds. The Nummulites are much larger. 

 In spite of this the compacted nature of the limestone, and the splin- 

 tery and crumbling nature of the shales and marls, make collecting 

 from the rock unprofitable. 



A band of corals, Montlivaltia sp ; , in great numbers and very well 

 preserved, occurs as an exception to this on the southern craggy face 

 of Sirban hill just above the village of Nugukkee. 



(VII) KULDANA SERIES (PASSAGE BEDS). 



Sometimes enfolded among the Nummulitic limestone in very 

 narrow bands, and sometimes lying beneath the Murree beds (see 

 infra, p. 43), there are a set of intermediate deposits of no very great 

 thickness which bridge over or connect the two series. These de- 

 posits have been called the Kuldana beds, and although of minor 

 importance, since they have an individuality of their own, I have 

 thought it best to retain the name and to use a separate colour for 

 them on the map. 



They consist of shales, clays, marls with calcite veins, and fine 



sandstone. The prevailing colour is deep inky 



purple or sometimes chocolate-brown. There 



are also subsidiary greenish and olive tints. The prevailing brown 



or purple is a noticeable feature in the landscape, as they stain whole 



hill-sides with their dark reddish debris. 



( 42 ) 



