132 OBSERVATIONS ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE 



The Kedda Peak (termed by the natives Gunong Cherai), is an 

 object of considerable geological, as well as geographical, interest. Its 

 height has not been correctly ascertained. It may perhaps be stated at 

 three thousand feet at least above the level of the sea, which washes part 

 of its base. 



The summit has not been reached, as far as I am aware, by any 

 European, although perfectly practicable. This has been greatly owing 

 to the jealousy of the Siamese. From specimens of rocks and ores 

 brought from this hill by intelligent natives, who were sent by me to ex- 

 plore it, I am enabled to state with some measure of confidence, that it 

 principally consists of the usual granite of this coast. On the sea face 

 is a cliff washed by a waterfall, where large crystals of white quartz are 

 got ; — similar crystals were brought to me from a spot near the peak. 

 The summit is a granite rock, with a fiat termination of a few square 

 yards bare of vegetation, and accessible with difficulty. This mountain 

 contains gold ; and tin ore was formerly obtained in large quantities on 

 it. Various ores of iron were brought to me from it, and it is probable, 

 that many other valuable minerals may yet be found there. This moun- 

 tain abounds with all the valuable woods of this coast, amongst which 

 are several kinds of fir. The inclination of the hill is apparently to the 

 east, and there is a very remarkable break (of six or seven hundred feet, 

 judging by the eye and telescope, at the distance of ten miles,) in the 

 rock, east of the peak, which may have been caused by an earthquake. 



The latter phenomenon, it may be remarked, is not followed by such 

 violent effects on this coast, as on the Island of Sumatra, and on Java. 

 The existence, however, of hot springs in various parts of the central 

 range, indicates the prevalence of mineral substances, of which specimens 

 have not yet been obtained. 



Advancing 



