1853.] Report on the Geological Structure of the Salt Range. 445 



which, from the abrupt way in which at a distance it appears to rise out 

 of the level alluvial plain, I supposed might turn out to be of volcanic 

 origin, and might assist us in arriving at a conclusion as to the 

 agency by which the strata of the Salt Range were elevated into 

 their present position. 



From the Jhelum to Korana is one uninterrupted alluvial plain 

 called the "Bar," about six hundred feet above the level of the sea, 

 thickly covered with a jungle of caper, pelu and mud, through which, 

 from Shahpoor, a four hours' ride brings one to the foot of the hills. 

 In this district there are but few villages, and the scanty population 

 consists chiefly of thieving Beloochees, who, with their flocks of 

 €amels, bullocks and buffaloes, wander about the Bar, remaining in 

 any one place only as long as food and water are procurable. For 

 the latter, they are chiefly dependant on rain which is collected in 

 holes or tanks dug out of the alluvial soil. 



Two wells have been dug in the interior of the Bar on account of 

 the great depth at which water is reached- and its generally saline 

 character. 



The aspect of a range of hills which Korana from a distance pre- 

 sents, gradually disappears as we approach it, and we were not a little 

 surprised to find that it consisted of a succession of isolated ridges 

 of stratified rocks of various sizes, running parallel to each other and 

 rising abruptly out of the plain, studding this over a space of some 

 six or eight miles, and extending towards the Chenab in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Chineout. 



As we could only devote one day to the examination of these most 

 singular rocks, our attention was devoted entirely to a portion of 

 the principal ridge to which all the other smaller ones are apparent- 

 ly similar. 



The Korana hill, on the summit of which is the residence of a 

 highly venerated Fakir, consists of a ridge of rock stretching from 

 north-east to south-west, and about two miles in length. By the 

 Thermometer, its height is estimated at nine hundred and fifty-seven 

 feet above the plain at its base. It presents a steep slope to the 

 north-west on which a few stunted Phoolahee bushes have taken 

 root, and an escarpment to the south-east. It has a peculiarly black 

 volcanic appearance. 



