Geographical Collections, 106 



volcanos, and with this peculiarity, that it is at a distance of 80 leagues 

 from the Black Sea and the Caspian, and must consequently be looked 

 upon as a mediterranean volcano." — Revue Encyc. XL VII. 226, 



The Sikkim Mountains. — From the favourable account received of a place 

 called Dargeeling, situated not more than 350 miles from Calcutta, on one 

 of the numerous ramifications of the Sinchul mountains, the Indian govern- 

 ment directed Captain Herbert to proceed to the spot, and ascertain how far 

 it might be advisable to establish a sanatarium there ; and from his report 

 we extract such particulars as seem to us of general interest. It is situated, 

 he observes, at an elevation of nearly nine thousand feet ; and, as it is calcu- 

 lated in India that the temperature of the air falls, as you ascend, at the rate 

 of about 1° in 300 feet, it is therefore inferred, that, as Dargeeling is 7218 

 feet above Calcutta, the mean temperature is 24° below it — still lower indeed 

 from the higher latitude and a northern aspect. Dargeeling has the advantage 

 over Simla, Landour, and Almorah, in a sufficient supply of perfectly sweet 

 and wholesome water — in the quantity of even ground for building on ; and, 

 as to rides and walks, no place has a fairer field than Dargeeling. The 

 mountain of Sinchul, on which it is situated, is well wooded ; but, in point 

 of natural scenery, Dargeeling must yield to Simla, though it needs not fear 

 a comparison with Almorah. As for materials for building, a very good 

 stone (gneiss) is found there, and abundance of timber for roofing and other 

 purposes is at hand. In the first instance, however. Captain Herbert 

 suggests, that the example of the people of the country should be followed, 

 who construct their houses of bamboos, (which are at hand,) and mats formed 

 of a small reed, which grows in great luxuriance on the Sinchul ridge. The 

 mountaineers of these regions, called Lepchas, are of Tartar origin. They 

 are an able-bodied race of men, short, square, thick-set, and muscular. They 

 are free from the trammels of caste, and are cheerful, frank, and full of 

 curiosity — bold, yet not presuming in address, with a native simplicity of 

 manner and feeling that must render them favourites with Europeans. — 

 Athenceum — Cal. Gov. Gazette. 



Captain King^s Expedition. — Several brief accounts of Captain King's 

 expedition to South America have appeared in the public prints ; but, the 

 sources from which they have been obtained being unknown to us, we con- 

 sider it better to delay any notice of this interesting survey till we have some 

 authenticated documents before us. 



Swan River Colony. — We are disposed to hope the best of this colony ; 

 but the accounts are rare, and dubious, even from its friends ; and, after it 

 has been thought necessary, in our lower house of Parliament, to inquire 

 whether government intended to abandon the colony, there appear to be 

 some grounds for fear. We shall, however, suspend any remarks until we 

 are in possession of certain information. It has been insinuated to us by a 

 person who has been at the colony, but upon whose unsupported evidence 

 we would be cautious in relying, that the whole enterprize was a job. If 

 it should so turn out, woe to Mr Governor Stirling ! Even ambition may 

 not deal thus with human life. It is true that, on the field of glory, millions 

 may be slain at the nod of power ; but men driven by over-population, or 

 led by the influence of seductive promises and wrought-up expectations, to 

 sell their all and abandon their native land, are not, with impunity, to 

 be drawn off to distant places, where the common necessaries of life, and the 

 means of procuring them, are wanting, and where they may be finally left 

 to linger on the spot, or compelled to return to their deserted homes, the 

 wrecks of what they were. 



