483 



Statistics of the Circar of Doivhitahad. [No. SG, 



A series of narrow ranges traverse the Circar in a direction al- 

 most east and west, their greatest height above the plains not ex- 

 ceeding seven hundred feet. All displaying in a marked manner, the 

 peculiar streaked appearance noticed as so remarkable a feature in 

 the Vindhya Range ; and, according as the rock that caps them 

 happens to be composed of the hard4)r softer varieties of trap, so are 

 their summits tabular or rounded. 



The chain of hills upon the south have no particular name as- 

 signed them, but appear to be prolongations of the Sichel range ; 

 those upon the north are continuations of the Balla Ghat or south- 

 ern boundary of the Berar valley ; that portion within the Circar be- 

 ing known either as the Gowtala or Ajunta Ghats: this barrier pre- 

 sents steep and precipitous sides towards the low country of Kan- 

 desh, affording in a few instances difficult passage for wheeled carri- 

 ages, through narrow rugged passes. The lofty peaks and project- 

 ing spurs along this range present several striking examples of the 

 natural defences of a mountain fastness. 



An enumeration of the principal rocky masses and minerals met 

 within the district is here given. 



1. Basalt occurring columnar in horizontal masses, the columns 

 large, irregular and perpendicular to their planes ; texture close 

 grained, of a dark greyish color internally, whilst the surface is of a 

 reddish or a pale buff color. When the basalt occurs in dykes, the 

 rock is disposed in prisms with vertical segments of small dimen- 

 sions and very compact texture, generally showing purple stains in 

 the fracture. 



2. Basalt of a compact nature whose structure is globular, and on 

 decomposing exposes a series of spherical coatings, small crystals of 

 olivine are plentifully disseminated throughout. 



3. Basalt of an earthy fracture, very close texture, dark color, 

 tough, and unyielding under the hammer. 



4. Phonolite another compact variety of basalt of a greyish color, 

 fissile and ringing with a metallic sound when struck, cleaving rea- 

 dily into convenient forms, it is in request for building purposes. 



5. Wacke or Indurated clay. This rock is met with in every 

 degree of induration and forms the vehicle for the greater portion of 

 imbedded minerals found in the district. 



