MATRIX OF THE DIAMOKP. 43 
cession of the dry season, would complete the process by 
the abstraction of the menstrual fluid ; while the metallic 
oxide would enter into a more intimate union with the earth. 
The chalybeate pools at the top of the Ghaut, and oozing 
rills before mentioned, may be supposed therefore to con- 
stitute the active instrument in the formation of the ferru- 
ginous graveL 
It is remarkable, that the gravel-conglomerate should form 
the matrix of the diamond in Asia and America, and, I be- 
lieve, in every quarter of the globe where the gem is found, 
while almost all the other precious stones are included in solid 
rock, of which they constitute, as it were, an integrant part, 
or are found along with its debris. How far this peculiarity 
may be connected with the singular chemical nature of the 
diamond, I cannot pretend to say; but the fact appears of 
importance in reasoning on the origin of this highly prized 
jewel. 
With Pqnpah, we leave for some time all traces of culti- 
vation, and enter upon a beautiful jungle, which continues 
nearly ten mile^ to the village of Kukurettee. The soil is 
entirely formed from the debris of red sandstone, without 
gravel, or apparently any impregnation of iron. It is of a 
red colour, dry, and fertile, and seems peculiarly adapted 
for the culture of the vine. To the right and left of the 
road, sandstone ridges, several hundred feet high, rise from 
the general level of the table-land, and present the same 
horizontal arrangement as the sandstone described. There 
is a perceptible elevation of the surface in this course, and 
the path appears to cross the range of hills, there being a 
slight descent as we approach Kukurettee; where the 
country again becomes open and cultivated, and displays 
the same dark-coloured earth which was so often met with 
, below the Ghaut. 
Oil the march from Kukurettee to the cantonment at 
