32 
DIAMOND MINES OF TONNaH. 
well-defined arrangement, at the several points where li 
is found in the Ghaut ; and I could not penetrate inta 
the jungle here to examine the strata more extensively. 
It may, however, be inferred, that it is in every respect 
similar to that rock at Callinger, which I have since found 
lying chiefly in roundish masses, of various sizes, occupying 
the middle of the elevation, and composing the greater part 
of it. These are in general mouldering at the surface, and 
many of the smaller boulders can be reduced to powder 
without the assistance of the hammer. The larger masses 
are more compact, and possess great soundness of struc- 
ture. 
The Table-land here is elevated about 1200 feet, I 
should suppose, above the plain of Bundlecund. On reach- 
ing the top of the Ghaut, we cross one or two clear run- 
ning streams, and some oozing rills and pools of stagnant 
water are met with, most of which indicate, by their blue, 
slimy, and iridescent surface, impregnation with the iron of 
the adjoining soil. This is indeed composed of ferruginous 
gravel and disintegrated sandstone ; and if we may judge 
from the fine luxuriant grass growing over it, it must be one 
of great fertility. 
The Tonng Punnah, celebrated for its diamond mines, 
is distant about eight miles from the Ghaut ; and in my 
march thither, I passed several of the mines, which are 
here close to the road, and have even encroached upon it 
at different points. It being late, I determined to defer 
my examination of these till the following day, which I in- 
tended passing at Punnah. Early in the morning, my 
servants, who had been dispatched for the purpose, brought 
intelligence that they had observed the workmen going from 
the town to the westward, with their implements of labour on 
their shoulders. Following them, I soon reached the scene of 
