part 1.] Annual report for 1869. 3 
the very limited area which these rocks occupy. Until the recent trials, I regret to say that 
no principle seems to have guided the selections of the several points at which bore-holes 
were put down. They were apparently put down completely at hap-hazard, and were ot 
course, in most cases, without any definite result. Localities have now been absolutely fixed 
upon for a number of additional borings, where, at comparatively small depths, the pre¬ 
sence or absence of the coal may be determined. 
A steam-boring machine has also been delivered at Chanda, but it is not yet in opera¬ 
tion. It will in reality be of very trifling use in this field. The country is to an immense 
extent either covered with jungle or with deep beds of clay, through which every little stream 
cuts a deep channel or gully, and in either case there are no roads excepting of the most 
primitive character. There are not, therefore, more than half a dozen spots in the district 
to which this steam-boring machine can be conveyed, excepting at great loss of time and. ex¬ 
pense. And even in those localities, the required information can he obtained with ordinaiy 
boring tools more cheaply and expeditiously if only a systematic system of choice of position 
he acted upon. It is, however, hoped that a trial will soon he made with this steam-boring 
machine when the services of some one competent to undertake the management of it can be 
obtained. 
To Major C. B. Lucie-Smith, Deputy Commissioner of Chanda, I am indebted for the 
most hearty and effective assistance in all things. The Geological Survey is also indebted to 
Mr. S. H. Hennessy, Extra Assistant Commissioner, for the earnest and friendly way in 
which he has ever met their wishes. 
It is hoped that as soon as the Chanda district is examined, the investigations of the 
Geological Survey may be continued down the valley of the Godavery, at detached points 
in which we know of the existence of small basins of the coal measure rocks, m which coal 
may exist in good workable quantity. Such a basin, for example, occurs about lt> miles north 
of Dumagudiam, from which, at the place indicated by Mr. W. Blanford m 1866 near 
the junction of the Tal river, in the left hank close to the village of Lmgala, a considerable 
quantity of coal was raised last year from the bed of the liter. This coal worked effectively 
in the low pressure stationary engines, but was not sufficient to keep up steam for the high 
pressure engines of some of the steamers. I am also indebted to Colonel Haig, n. K., tor the 
information that coal has been again found exposed in the scarped face of the rocks on the 
rteht bank of the river, about Similes below Dumagudiam. ’About two feet are seen above 
water level, and it extends under the water as far as a man can reach with his arm. All 
these facts point to the necessity of an earl} r and careful examination of this country. And 
it is my purpose next working season to work up from the Madras side, the party of the survey 
there engaged bringing up with them the extended knowledge they have obtained of the 
older groups of rocks in the Madras Presidency and the officers of the survey from Bengal 
working downwards, and bringing with them their widely acquired intimacy with the struc¬ 
ture, character, and sub-divisions of the coal measures of India. The extent of countiy to bo 
visited is, however, wide, and the detailed examination of so large an area will unavoidably 
occupy much time. The result of a systematic examination of this kind will, however, be 
more satisfactory and more trustworthy than if taken up at detached points. 
In connection with these practical explorations bv boring lor coal, &c., I would notice the 
great satisfaction with which the Geological Survey have seen Jately the success of that most 
important trial for water at Umballa. The insufficiency of the supply of water at this 
laro*e station has long been a source of anxiety, and a cause of ill-health, and has led to pro¬ 
posals for the adoption of very costly and tedious works to increase the amount of available 
water and to facilitate its distribution. Mr. H. B. Medlicott, after his examination of the 
Sub-Himalayan rooks, urged.the importance of seeking this much-needed supply ot water in 
the water-bearing beds which must exist under all the country in that parallel along the foot 
of the hills.* The reasons for the confident expectation of good water being found there 
with a pressure at least sufficient to bring it to, or near to, the surface from very considerable 
depths were started, and have, on several occasions since then, been very strongly urged. It 
was therefore with no small satisfaction that we saw the very first trial confirm the justice 
of these sanguine expectations. It is to be hoped that further trials will be now boldly 
* Memoir* of Geological .Survey of ludkt. vol. Ilk. pi. II. p. 19k 
