154 OBSERVATIONS ON THE GEOLOGY OF THE 



intermixed with slightly calcareous and other matters, and quartz are 

 observable. At Malamein, a breccia is found, which has been used in the 

 construction of the Pagoda there. This substance hardens so much by- 

 exposure, that it will last for ages, as it has here done. On the high 

 grounds, which occasionally flank the river, the surface is tinged red by 

 iron ores. 



About fifty miles by water up the Attardm river, and within about 

 two miles of its eastern bank stands Seinle- clang, one of the singular 

 limestone rocks just alluded to. About mid-day, betwixt it and the river, 

 and on a swampy plain, slightly inclined to the river, I was gratified by 

 discovering a singular hot fountain (for it is of too peculiar a nature to be 

 merely termed a spring.) The Burmans call it " Ye-bu,'' " hot water." 

 The orifice is nearly a circle, the diameter of which is about thirty feet. 

 The rim is of earth, and only raised about a foot above the surface of the 

 water. Not having been prepared for such an interesting object, I had 

 not provided myself with a line. But the depth is, no doubt, very consi- 

 derable. The water was so clear, that the green calcareous rocks which 

 project from the sides were quite distinct at a depth of twenty feet at 

 least. A strong bubbling appears near the middle. A thermometer pro- 

 pended from a bamboo was dropped into the water, and after a space 

 quickly withdrawn. An allowance of two degrees being made for loss of 

 heat in the removal, the temperature by Fahrenheit's thermometer was 

 found to be 136°, which is 12° hotter than the Bath waters. 



Had any volcanic indications been observed in the vicinity, the circu- 

 lar formation of this well might have induced the belief that it had once 

 been a crater. A visitor to this place ought to approach it with caution — • 

 since part of the water near the edge is covered with weeds, which so 

 resemble the surface of the bank, that a person might unthinkly step on 

 ^ them 



