detatlet:) descriptions of the respective coalfields. 35 
feet of outcrop. The average of two analyses of the coal 
gave : — 
Moisture ....... 7*7 
Volatile matter ...... 43-3 
Fixed carbon 44-7 
Ash 4-3 
He estimated that in this area within 400 feet of the outcrop 
there are not less than 400,000 tons of coal, and probably much 
more than this amount. 
The same seams were observed on the opposite (eastern) side 
of the range in the Astangi valley where they can be traced for 
miles. The measured thickness of four seams is 3 feet, 2 feet 10 
inches, 2 feet and 2 feet, but they thin towards the north. Mention 
is also made of a coal mine at Gandak within 10 miles of Quetta, 
and of a coal-seam 2 feet 9 inches thick near Spin Karez about 
13 miles from Quetta. 
During the last twenty years a large number of small mines 
have been opened by petty contractors, but few of whom work 
on any regular system. They are chiefly situated within from 15 
to 30 miles of Quetta and at Mach. Interesting reports on these 
mines ^ and on the mines at Khost and Sharigh ^ have been 
published by James Grundy, Inspector of Mines in India. The dip 
of the beds varies from 30° to 50° and the best seams average about 
3 feet in thickness, but are very variable. The coal mined is of 
fair quality, but contains a considerable amount of sulphur as 
P3rrites. During recent years an average quantity of 11,000 tons 
of coal has been mined annually, the output for 1909 being 12,212 
tons. In 1911 mines were in operation at Digari, Mach and the 
Sor Range. 
(vii). Bengal. 
Burdwan District. — Owing to the recent territorial re-adjustment, 
only the eastern portion of the Raniganj coalfield remains in Bengal. 
It will be described with the remainder of the field under Bihar and 
Orissa {infra p. 43). 
Darjeeling District. — The existence of coal-bearing rocks of 
Damuda age in this region was first recorded by Sir Joseph Hooker in 
1849. They occur along the southern side of the Darjeeling 
synclinal as a narrow band varying from 200 yards to about a 
1 Calcutta, 1896 and' 1899. 
2 Calcutta, 1896 and 1900. 
2 D 
