1831.] 
found in the Himmalmjn. 
267 
conclusion, that such a rock Delongs to the lias formation of England, such a one 
to the oolite, &c. and rest satisfied with this conclusion, as if no more were to 
be learned. As a stimulus to inquiry ; as a means of engaging in it those who have 
an opportunity by observation of supporting or overturning such an opinion ; we 
need not object to its circulation j but we should be careful to take it for what it is 
worth and for no more. We should not adopt as a dogma to be believed, that 
which should rather be considered as a query to excite discussion and examination. 
An accurate and complete history of the organic remains which have yet been 
discovered in the Himmalaya, would be a useful memorandum for the geologist. 
To make it really useful, however, it ought to contain drawings of every remain, and 
particularly full and accurate information as to the locality, which should be fixed 
physically and geologically. The execution of such a work is to this extent how- 
ever I fear nearly impracticable ; for of the remains found many have been sent to 
England, and are doubtless distributed beyond the power of an unassisted indivi- 
dual to trace. As however it is important to make a commencement, I shall here 
throw together such particulars as I have had the means of learning, in hopes that 
my imperfect account may stimulate others to supply my deficiencies, and particu- 
larly to correct (if I have made any) my mistakes. 
I may commence with a very general and cursory view of the geology of these 
mountains, so as to show what is the real bearing of the question of organic re- 
mains, and what is its real interest. 
The Himmalaya mountains may be geologically divided into 3 distinct zones ; 
which in their fully developed character are sufficiently well defined, though it 
may often be difficult to trace the exact boundaries. 
On first approaching them from the plains, sandstone is the rock met with. It 
is of an argillaceous and frequently conglomerate character, containing immense 
quantities of rounded stones. It is distinctly stratified, and dips pretty regularly 7 to 
the N. E. the inclination of the strata being seldom more than 20° or 25°. To 
what formation of Europe this sandstone is analogous, appears to be still doubtful. 
I am myself inclined to think it must correspond with the newer red sandstone, but 
my want of acquaintance with European rocks, except in books, of course leaves 
my opinion open to dissent. This sandstone seldom attains an elevation of more 
than 3500 feet above the sea, or 2500 above the plains at its feet. 
To the sandstone succeeds the zone of schists. These are at first argillaceous, 
afterwards micaceous, and latterly taleose and chloritic. This description however 
must not be taken too literally ; for there are often beds of argillaceous or taleose 
or chloritic schist in the middle, while micaceous schist may be found on either 
border. But the above is the general arrangement. This zone attains great 
elevation. Its lowest level may be about 1500, its highest 7 or 8000. These 
schists are always stratified, but it has appeared to me that the stratification is 
“ore irregular and more difficult to trace than in either of the other zones. Beds 
of limestone and potstone are found in this tract, and towards its superior limit 
kfo of hornblende schist. In the former occurs the copper mines of these moun- 
toins. The mica slate of course often passes into quartz rock, which sometimes 
“versa great extent of country. It is frequently intersected by veins of a 
Porpfiyritic rock, composed of quartzose arenaceous base, with inegu ai crysta s 
°f hornblende disseminated. . . ., 
This tract is physically remarkable for attaining its greatest e eva ion on i s 
southern and northern extremities, while between it is of less heig it, oimin n in 
tot, if the mean surface only be considered, a sort of trough or basin. A pecu- 
