20 
Records of the Geological Survey of India. 
[vol. VII. 
Flux .—Limestone may be picked out of the channel of the river Baur, and in several 
of its minor tributaries. Enormous blocks are strewn on the same hill side in which the 
iron-ore exists; and I am informed that a tufa deposit occurs within a reasonable distance 
of Deh-chauri. 
Geneeal Stkumaey.— Summarising in a few words the result of my investigation 
regarding the iron-ores, I have to state— 
Ores .—That in the Ramgarh circle, the ore is good and plentiful. 
That in the Khairna circle, the iron-ores are not of much value. 
That in the Kaladhiingi circle, the ore is not as good as those occurring in the Ramgarh 
circle, but the supply is very great. 
That in the Deh-chauri circle, the average quality of the ore is superior to that at 
Kaladhdugi, and the quantity is large. 
Limestone .—Is o fear need be entertained about the supply of limestone for fluxing. 
Every authority agrees in testifying to its abundance. 
Although my duty was only to report upon the quantity and quality of the iron-ores 
at the places indicated in my instructions, I would beg to make a few remarks in view of the 
possible resuscitation of the manufacture of pig-iron in the Bhabar, at Kaladhungi, and 
Deh-chauri, 
Such an attempt cannot fail through paucity of ore or flux. Water-supply is available 
throughout the driest season of the year, as is proved by the fact that tho furnaces of the 
Knmaon Iron Company were in blast until the 5th of June. The reproductive power of 
tho forests has been tested in the severest manner, for I am informed by Mr. Matthows that 
in 1860 a considerable tract of land oxtending from the vicinity of the furnaces at Kala- 
dhiingi. to the base of the hills was cleared, no trees being left for hearing seed; and now 
(1873) tho whole area is so covered with well grown saplings that it is difficult to believe in 
the accuracy of Mr. Matthews’ statement. 
Comparing tho conditions now with what they were ten years ago, when the Ivumaon 
Iron Company stopped operations, circumstances are much more in favor of the possibility 
of Indian-manufactured iron competing with home produce. Tho high price of coal in Eng¬ 
land has led to such an advance in the cost of iron of all kinds that there is now a pros¬ 
pect of India being able profitably to work her own raw material. 
Note on the haw mateeials foe ieon smelting- in the Raniganj Field, by 
Theodoee W. H. Hughes, a. e. s. m., f. a. s., Geological Survey of India. 
As a result of Mr. Bauerman’s preliminary report upon tho iron-ores of the Raniganj 
coal-field, tho Geological Survey of India has been called upon for information on tho 
subject. 
Claim of the field recognised .—It is almost needless to say that tho claim of this field 
to be considered the most advantageous position for the manufacture of iron in Bengal on an 
European scale was recognised years and years ago by the Survey, and that Mr. Bauerman, 
in recommending it as the locality offering the host prospects of success, has but confirmed 
tho opinion held by every geologist and others competent to offer one. 
The establishing of largo iron-works was not urged at the time of the survey of the 
Raniganj field, for it would have shown an utter disregard of tho conditions essential to 
success to have done so. Since then, howover, increased facilities of communication, dis¬ 
coveries oi better coals, the possibility of making coke, and the steady rise in the price 
