268 
On the Organic Remains 
[Sept. 
liarity of geological structure accompanying this is the disposition along this 
lowest level of granitic tracts or nuclei, each of comparatively small extent, fre- 
quently putting on the appearance of veins, and distributed at intervals along the 
line from the Kalee to the Sutluj. Generally these granitic nuclei being in the 
lowest tract, are themselves not very high ; but an exception is found in the Chur 
mountain, which attains the elevation of 12 000 feet, and forms the summit of a 
very lofty, extensive, and well defined range. Gneiss is occasionally met with on 
the bordei s of these patches of granite, but never extensively ; and beyond it again 
succeeds the micaceous schist. 
The third zone is that of the Himmalaya proper, the snowy range itself ; and 
it is composed, without an exception that I know of, of gneiss. The stratifica- 
tion is always marked, generally regular, and like the sandstone dips to the 
S. W. The consequence is, as has been often noticed by travellers, that the 
plainward faces ot these mountains are steep and precipitous, while those to the 
N. E. are of easy declivity. Professor Jameson describes the stratification of 
great mountain ranges as dipping on each side towards the summit, but nothing 
of this kind occurs in the Himmalaya. It has been also said, I believe by the 
same authority, that all lofty mountain - ranges are granitic ; but neither is this 
true ot the Himmalaya : the highest peaks are every where composed of gneiss, the 
strata of which may be clearly distinguished, when bare of snow, through a telescope. 
Granite has no where been found except in veins, and these veins are generally 
small with one exception. This is at Wongtoo on the Sutluj, where the granite is 
of some extent, though still, as I satisfied myself, but a large vein. 
Ihe gneiss is of very various character, as far as colour and grain are con- 
cerned, though always very regular, consisting of the usual ingredients united in the 
usual proportions ; garnets, schorl, kyanite, carbonate of lime, green quartz, and 
hyacinth, are the most ordinary imbedded minerals. A speck of native gold has been 
found in a specimen from one of the granite veins. 
If we now consider what precedes, we shall perceive the interest attaching to 
question of oiganic remains. 1st, None have ever been found in the sand- 
stone, with the exception of small patches of lignite pretty generally distributed 
. ough it. This is so tar in conformity with its character in Europe, where few 
i any organic remains have been found in it. Nor do I know of any having 
ever been detected in any of the schists, which it is evident from the above 
description belong to the primary class of rocks. The argillaceous schist does 
owever, wheie in contact with the sandstone, put on very much the appearance of 
gray-waeke, and a very great proportion of it is well defined gray-waeke schist, in 
wueh rock organic remains have been found in Europe. And though I have 
above stated, that no organic remains are to be found in this rock, I must not 
omit to mention, that Dr. Govan lias described a limestone occurring in thegray- 
waeke slate as containing organic impressions ; though no details on this subject 
hm e ever been laid before the public. Recently too the same gentleman has 
transmitted to a friend m Calcutta a portion of the same rock, said to contain an 
impression of a lizard’s tail. The resemblance however was, I think, but faint, and 
the general opinion appeared to incline to scepticism with regard to the real 
.alueoftlns organic remain. But with every deduction made on these scores it 
been f per i aps e been ° nly m0re COrrect to have said > that organic remains have 
been found very rarely, if at all in this rock. 
thfsomt™ r n f C T' itable charac,er of remains, they are fend only on 
southern tan* and at no great distance from the sandstone, where it n, ay bn 
