On Ceylon Rocks and Graphite

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Abstract
I. The Physical Geography of the Area. Ceylon is almost connected with India by the Manaar and Rames-waram Islands and the reef known as Adam's Bridge : there is no channel deep enough for large steamers to pass. Nearly four-fifths of its area is a flat ‘low country’ forming a maritime belt in the south, and covering a greater area in the north. The main mountain-massif, consisting of ancient crystalline rocks, is situated a little south of the centre of Ceylon in the South Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa provinces. In this area rise lofty and often precipitous mountains, of which the highest is Pidurutalagalla, 8296 feet above sea-level ; while Adam's Peak reaches 7353 feet: In between these peaks stretch considerable tracts of tableland or rolling grassy plains (Patanas), such as the Newera Eliya Plain, at an altitude of 6200 feet, or the Elk and Herren Plains, over 7000 feet. The rainfall in these districts may exceed 280 inches per annum, while it is only 50 inches in the northern flat, dry country. The rivers rise in the mountainous districts, running at first through rocky gorges, forming striking waterfalls, but meandering slowly through alluvial flats when they reach the low country. Ceylon is essentially a continental island, and, as we should expect, shares to a great extent the flora and fauna of India. It is, however, remarkable that nearly 30 per cent. of Ceylon phanerogains are endemic, and the same is true of 2 per cent. of the genera [13]. 1

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