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sandstones were searched for stones. (3) Partial (16°
39' : 80° 28'). The diamonds were very small. In 1890, the Hyderabad
Deccan Co. attempted to open the mines with modern machinery. 3,444
stones weighing 2,0857/8 carats were obtained. Work was stopped in 1894
as it was not paying. (4) Ustapiliy (16° 42' : 80° 13') with Kodavattu-kallu was like Partial which was supposed to hare produced several bullockjloads of diamonds.
Kurnool district.—Many
old workings are found in this district, which has given its name to
the formation containing the band of conglomerate from which many
diamonds were obtained in South India. There are 24 localities in. this
district, but the following are the more important: (1) BanganapaUi (15°
19': 78° 17'). The diamond-bearing layer forms the basement bed of a
band of quartzite 20-30 ft. thick, forming the lowest member of the
series. This band of quartzite is exposed over a large area, but the
productive layer consists of shaly breccia, conglomerate or pebbly
clay. The latter occurs in seams of 6-8 inches in thickness. The
diamonds are flawed and very small. (2) Dhoni (15° 23' 30' : 77° 56'). Stones obtained were well shaped and of weak water. (3) Lanjapolur (15° 45' 30* : 78° 4'). Stones obtained were well shaped and of good water. (4) Ramulkota (15°
34' : 78° 3' 30*). Tavernier's Raolkonda—small stones of excellent
water were found in sand or earth filling narrow veins in the rocks.
(5) Virayapalii was recently prospected by Mr. A. Ghose.
Second group of occurrences
These
occurrences are mostly in the Mahanadi valley. The stones were found in
Sambalpur and Chanda districts in alluvium; the Karnuls and Vindhyans
occur in this area, but no diamonds have been found in them. The stones
were obtained from a red, gravelly earth and were collected from the
bed of the lb river (Hebe), at Hira
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