OF SOUTHERN INDIA, _■ 127 



large amorphous masses of a calcareous conglomerate, bearing no mark of 

 attrition from the action of running water. In this stratum the diamond 



and other precious stones are found. The excavations are of various size, 

 but from 15 to 20 feet deep. 



The labourers are a little more under controul than at Banganpali and 

 they pay a trifling duty to the Nizam's Agent stationed in the village. The 

 mode of search is precisely the same as that above described. 



The mines of Ovatampalli and of Canparti on the right and left banks 

 of the Pennar near Cuddapet, are in an alluvial soil of nearly the same 

 nature ; it is not quite so black, from the greater admixture of debris of 

 sandstone and clayslate. 



In many parts of the plain of Nandiala, diamonds were formerly sought 

 for, but the mines have for a long time ceased to be productive. 



Tne failure of the mines of the Dekhin may perhaps be principally at- 

 tributed to the cheapness and plenty of Brazil diamonds. Otherwise from 

 the vast extent of the rock in which they are found in India, there are scarce- 

 ly any limits to the search for them. It may be assumed then ; 



1st. That the matrix of the diamonds produced in southern India, is the 

 Sandstone Breccia of the " Clay slate formation." 



2d. That those found in alluvial soil are produced from the debris of the 

 above rock, and have been brought thither by some torrent or deluge, which 

 could alone have transported such large masses and pebbles from the pa- 

 rent rock, and that no modern or traditional inundation has reached to such 

 «m extent. 



3d. That the diamonds found at present in the beds of the rivers ar« 

 washed down by the annual rains. 



