330 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



with the literature and science of the East. The 

 liberality which the different courts of directors have 

 shown, for a long series of years, in bringing to light 

 the ancient records of that vast empire over which 

 their authority extends, is attested by the public- 

 ations these materials have given rise to, and the 

 efficient patronage that has uniformly been ex- 

 tended to their authors. Every thing, in short, 

 which could illustrate the ancient state of those 

 singular nations now under the dominion of Britain, 

 has been studiously sought for by the servants of 

 the Company, and deposited in their archives. The 

 Asiatic Society, celebrated for its learned Trans- 

 actions since the days of Sir William Jones, owed 

 its origin to their fostering care; while the splendid 

 library and collection of Oriental MSS. at the India 

 House attest the feelings which have so long pre- 

 vaded their councils. If we turn, on the other 

 hand, to what has been done for elucidating the na- 

 tural history of their possessions, the result is still 

 more conspicuous. A botanical garden, worthy of 

 an Eastern monarch, superintended by distinguish- 

 ed botanists, having at their command all neces- 

 sary assistants, has disseminated the splendours of 

 the Indian flora over all similar establishments in 

 Europe. Yet this liberality is not confined to public 

 gardens, or to favoured botanists. Any individual 

 of respectability, upon his return to Europe, may 

 receive a collection of seeds and roots from these 

 gardens, free of expense. Nor are these all the 

 benefits resulting to the botanical world from the 

 munificence of the Company. The different pro- 

 vinces of India have been explored by competent 



