1855.] On the age of the Coal strata in Central India. 353 



we are decidedly behind in regard to the Cycadeacese. The only 

 specimen, which I have procured is a small fragment from the sand- 

 stone of Kampti, the leaflets of which are narrower than the 

 minutest blade of grass, that I have ever seen. 



2nd. Similarity of geological position. — It may be supposed that, 

 though there is a general agreement in fossils between the coal 

 strata of Bengal and oolitic rocks here, yet their position may be 

 slightly different. However, from all the descriptions of Bengal 

 coal strata, to which I have had access, I have noticed that where 

 the sandstone is present to afford materials for comparison, the 

 tendency to bituminous and carbonaceous shales there, as here, occurs 

 immediately under the great mass of arenaceous beds. In proof of 

 this I need only refer to the sections given by Mr. Homfrey from* 

 Palamow and Singra, and to the observations made by Mr. Osborne 

 on the supposed coal-field at Umlah ghat near Bidjeegurh.f 



In conclusion I would add, that though among the Cutch oolitic 

 strata some are evidently marine, yet from what I have seen of those 

 in the Deccan or read of those in Bengal, I know of none of them 

 in either of these districts that exhibit the least evidence of having 

 been deposited in the sea or ocean : all seem to be of fresh-water 



■■' Beng. As, Soc. Journ, Vol. XI, p, 738, f Ibid, Vol. VII, p. 843. 



