392 , COAL AND LIGNITE 



The cement of this sand-stone may be considered as argilloferuginouSj 

 though, from the intimate mixture of calcareous matter that partially takes 

 place, it effervesces with acids in a greater or less degree. In the white and light 

 colored varieties, carbonate of lime appears to be the sole cementing ingre- 

 dients, and throughout the whole of the formation, although partially admitted, 

 calcareous matter may be considered as a general accompaniment. The 

 springs from this cause, carry a quantity of lime in solution, sufficient to give 

 a coating to the rocks over which they pass, as well as to form considerable 

 deposites of Tuffa, though not in sufficient abundance, to form masses capable 

 of being turned to account in lime burning. I have in my possession, speci- 

 mens of Stalactites formed by these springs. 



The enormous strata of diluvial gravel, rising at an angle of from 20 to 

 35 degrees, which add a feature to these hills of such great interest, are, in 

 many parts, by the intervention of the calcareous ingredients, formed into a 

 solid conglomerate, cemented by the chastest and purest lime. In conclu- 

 sion, I cannot pass over a singular decomposition that takes place in these 

 gravel beds ; Boulders of the hardest and most compact rocks, amongst which 

 I may enumerate granite, gneiss, mica slate, hornblende schist and green-stone, 

 being reduced to a perfect state of friability by the decomposition of the fels- 

 par : a point upon which the limits of my letter will not allow me to enter, and 

 which, therefore, is left to be described by those of greater experience and re- 

 search. 



Having given a cursory description of the formation itself, I novr 

 come to the first position, in %vhich the carboniferous matter was found at 

 the Kalawala Pass : the second, was found at some distance in the same 

 line of hill, containing branches and roots much less bituminized, and 

 more clearly defined in the impression of vegetable remains than the 

 forraero 



