1844.] Farther observations on the Pondicherry Fossils. 153 



and must therefore have belonged to a very large Ammonite. 

 We have this evidence that when this deposit and that at 

 Ootatoor in Trichinopoly were in the course of formation, 

 gigantic xlmmonites still inhabited the Ocean, which covered 

 that portion of the globe, which is now the South of India. 



The most common Ammonite at Paroor is however a small 

 species — it has a small umbilicus, and the outer whorl conceals 

 the inner ones : it is remarkable for a very distinct and well 

 defined ridge along the back over the siphuncle. 



There are also portions of Nautili at Paroor, apparently 

 similar to those at Seedrapett— and I have an Echinus from 

 this locality which I cannot distinguish from the species of 

 Spacangus found at the former placej 



The discovery of this deposit near Verdachellum, appears 

 te be of much importance — further research in this neigh- 

 bourhood will probably demonstrate that the formation is a 

 connecting link between those of Ootatoor and Seedrapett — it 

 undoubtedly proves that the fossils of Ootatoor, many of which 

 are so fresh as actually to retain a portion of their color are 

 to be ascribed to the secondary (Era — and while it contains 

 many shells which are common at Ootatoor, it holds also the 

 Nautilus, Echinus, and Ammonite which are the characteris- 

 tic fossils of Seedrapett. It is highly probable also that a series 

 of intercalated secondary sand and limestones may be hereafter 

 traced through this portion of the Peninsula of India, and I 

 sincerely trust that the unexpected success which has attend- 

 ed the researches of Mr. Cunliffe and myself, may prove an 

 inducement to others to prosecute a science hitherto almost 

 totally neglected in this part of India, but which will from 

 this very fact, be found more amply to repay its votaries. 



X The genus Cidaris however was numerous at Paroor, though as yet undiscovered at 

 Seedrapett, and the baculites of the latter were wanting at Paroor : and not a single cham- 

 bered shell, save the fragment above mentioned, has been found at Ootatoor.— B. C. 



[Note. — Some interesting observations on the organic remains above described, when 

 recently exhibited before the Geological Society in London will be found in the Miscel- 

 aneous Notices at the end of this No.] 



