IN THE HIMALAYA. 395 



coloring principle, throughout the formation, which appears to be oxid of 

 Iron, as the presence of Sulpur could not be detected.* 



In writing this notice, my object is to give local information alone, with^ 

 out any intention of entering into theoretical detail, or pronouncing an 

 opinion on the origin of this stratum, or of the inclined position of the strata 

 of gravel, which form such an extraordinary and unaccountable feature of 

 these Hills : both of these subjects are worthy of a better pen, and I feel 

 unequal to attempt such a description as would merit the notice of the 

 Society. 



The sand-stone formation, which extends from the entrance into the Hills 

 to the clay slate that skirts the valleys of Dehra and Karda, and com 

 stitutes the mountain of that range, on which stands the Fort of Jijtek, ob- 

 tains in its proximity to the clay slate, a highly argillaceous aspect, as well 

 as A tenacity adapting it to use in building, and to architectural purposes 

 generally; its structure, moreover, depending on the smaller portion of the 

 Mica, admits of its being easily worked, and formed into blocks of any thick- 

 ness. A purplish and greenish color distinguishes the sand-stone in the 

 Nahn and Jytelc vicinity, from that of the lower ranges, as well as the pre- 

 sence of a metallic oxid, which, together with a variety of iron-stone, is found 

 in nodules throughout the mass. I am not aware that this sand-stone forma- 

 tion has, as yet, been compared with that of England or other countries : to 

 desire information therefore upon a subject which has, as yet, been little 

 attended to, and in the hope of promoting an enquiry, as well as a strict Geo* 

 logical examination of the series to which this sand-stone may be referred, I 



* Although I have been unable to detect Sulphur in this sand-stone, I am strongly of opinion 

 that it exists, as specimens in vay possession have every appearance, as far as color is concerned, 

 of its presence. 



4 D 



