Page:Madras journal of literature and science vol 1 new series 1856-57.djvu/13



I. Description and pian of the Natron Lake of Loonar, with an analysis of the Salt. By, M. D., Residency Surgeon, Hyderabad.

[The following interesting description of the Loonar Lake of Berar was communicated by Dr. Smith to the Committee for the Madras Exhibition for 1857, and placed by them at the disposal of the Madras Literary Society, for insertion in their Journal.]

In the Circar of Meinker Soubah of Berar, about 45 miles N. W. of Hingolie in Lat. 20° N., lies the curious Natron Lake of Loonar. It is situated at the bottom of a crateriform depression, which forms a singular and unexpected interruption to the general gentle undulatory character of the district. The Lake is 510 feet below the level of the surrounding ground —has a rounded outline and is about 3 miles in circumference. The sharp edge of the great excavation is about 5 miles round and the inner surface of the bowl rises abruptly at an angle of from 75° to 80°. The surface of this sharp slope is covered with luxuriant vegetation, in the shape of trees and thick, vigorous underwood, tenanted by the tiger, hog, panther, deer and peacock. Between the sloping bottom of the