196 Reports on the Coal and Mineral Resources of hidia. [July 



is one species named P. transversus* in which these external signs are 

 not present, and it is this which I found imbedded in the Serrareem 

 coal. All other appearances of vegetable remains in the Cutch coaj 

 should be examined with equal care, and by this means the question 

 as to whether it belongs to the principal coal measures or not may be 

 determined. 



" As two thin veins not workable have as yet only been found in 

 Cutch, it is almost unnecessary to offer any remarks on the quality of 

 their produce. Cutch coal burns too quickly, and affords too large a 

 proportion of ashes to answer for steamers, nor does it afford sufficient 

 heat to be used with advantage in the forge. 



" With reference to what has been said regarding the distri- 

 bution of coal, it would be a matter of no great surprise if, as we 

 have traced the mineral from Upper Assam to Cutch, we should be 

 able to resume a continuation of the same line of coal-fields ten degrees 

 still farther west on the opposite coast of Arabia. A specimen of coal 

 has been actually found in this direction, lying loose on the sands of 

 the island of Sier-Beni-Yas by Dr. Gray, as if it had been washed down 

 from a rugged ridge about 350 feet in height, which forms the centre 

 of the island. 



" Although Mr. McCulloch who had been sent to the spot was un- 

 able to find the source from whence the specimen in question came' 

 yet his report is not such as to lead us to despair of more suc'^essful 

 results from future inquiries either on this, or some of ihe adjoining 

 islands, which the nature of his instructions prevented him from visit- 

 ing.t 



" As coal is often converted into ornaments and toys by uncivilized 

 tribes unacquainted with its more important uses some traces of 

 it in such shapes might generally be detected by observant travellers 

 in countries where it is procurable ; by this means its existence in. 

 Madagascar as well as in Africa, has been probably brought to light, J 

 but in what quantity and under what circumstances is still unknown j 

 our inc'-easing intercourse with the Arabs in the overland route to- 

 England, may in like manner lead to similar discoveries in a quarter 

 where coal seems to be all that is now desirable." 



* " Described in the American Phil. Transac. by Mr. Steinhauer, as a cylindrical trunk 

 transversely and closely striated without any traces of leaves or fibres, the general charaps 

 ter like that of large earthworm ; perhaps a creeping root." 



•i- " Vide Report of Select Committee." 



% " Hist, and Descrip. of Fossil Fuel," 



