Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 446

1841.

Notices of Chusan.

427

to the eastward by the bay, and by lofty Alpine ranges seen in N. latitude 40, beyond the line of the Great Wall, and trending away to the northwestward. It is in Foochow that a most interesting disco- very—that of coal —has been made, which will presently be noticed,

“On the subject of ores and minerals, but little information could be expected from a hasty examination of a line of sea-coast, nor are deposits of this kind likely to exist in the volcanic hills, and alluvial, plains, which prevail throughout the tract of country visited by the expedition. As regards organic remains, and for nearly similar rea- sons, I have little to communicate. There are however raised beaches near Canton, which contain bivalve shells of the genus Ostrea,* pre- senting a remarkable feature of resemblance with those elevations of lines of coast prevailing so generally in Europe, and recognized also, in America. These raised beaches have probably been produced by. the latest upheavings or expansions of igneous rocks before, noticed, as existing on this part of the coast.

་

"The existence of coal in China, and its being worked by the inhabitants has long been known, and two localities of this mineral have come under my notice-one near Canton, and the other in Chi, nese Tartary. The former of these carboniferous deposits is situated to the northwest, of Canton, where a chain of hills running east and west separate the province from the low lands of central China.

I

"One of the most interesting geological facts elicited during the progress of the expedition to the northward, was the existence of a second of these carboniferous deposits. The locality of the mineral, though not actually visited, was pretty accurately ascertained, being about latitude 39° 10′ north, and longitude 121° 25′ east, and situated within a mile of the seacoast. Some junks were found laden with this coal, of which it is rather difficult to form a correct opinion from the small quantity brought away: I should however pronounce it anthra, cite. of inferior quality. Some specimens of the rocks prevailing on the coast were brought away by the parties who visited, this district, and prove that igneous rocks prevail there also. A slaty rock of the nature of shale was said to have been found in the water courses, but unfortunately no specimens were preserved. The mere existence of the rock would however imply the occurrence of a regular coal series, in which more of better quality may be found,

“No metallic ores of any description were seen in any spot visited by the expedition, during the past year (1840), nor does the general appearance of the country to the eastward convey an impression of

See Chinese Repository, vol. IX., page 366.

*