Chap. XII. 
ROCKS— SOIL. 
195 
egress from the basin, but as we got nearer a chasm was 
visible by which the huge rock was parted, and through 
which flowed a little stream with a pathway by its side- 
It seemed, indeed, as if the stream had gradually worn 
down the rock and formed this passage for itself, which 
was not more than six or eight feet in width. 
These rocks consist of clay slate, in which occur, em- 
bedded in the form of beds or dykes, great masses of 
quartz rock, while granite of a deep black colour, owing 
to the mica, which is of a fine deep bluish-black, cuts 
through them in all directions. This granite forms the 
summit of most of the principal mountains in this part of 
the country. 
Resting on this clay slate are sandstone conglomerates, 
formed principally of angTilar masses of quartz held 
together by a calcareous basis ; and alternating with 
these conglomerates there is a fine calcareous granular 
sandstone, in which beds of dolomitic limestone occur. 
The geologist will thus see what a strange mixture forms 
part of these huge rocks of Woo-e-shan, and will be able 
to draw his own conclusions. Specimens of these rocks 
were brought away by me and submitted both to Dr. 
Falconer, of Calcutta, and Dr. Jameson, of Saharunpore, 
who are well known as excellent geologists. 
The soil of these tea-lands consists of a brownish- 
yellow adhesive clay. This clay, when minutely exa- 
mined, is found to consist of particles of the rocks and of 
vegetable matter. It has always a very considerable 
portion of the latter in its composition in those lands 
which are very productive and where the tea-shrub 
thrives best. 
K 2 
