132 Dr. Noehden's Account qftJie Banyan-Tree. 



some writers alleged, namely, five stadia, or upwards of three thousand ^eet. 

 With such an exaggeration, the report of Nearchus, quoted by Arrian, might 

 coincide. But though we cannot precisely ascertain, in wliat sense the 

 measurement, spoken of, is to be taken, yet there can hardly be any dotibt 

 that the tree, which Arrian had in his mind, was the Banyan. In reading 

 what Arrian relates of the naked philosophers of ancient India, one is re- 

 minded of the Fakir, mentioned by Mr. Marsden, as sitting under the 

 Banyan-tree, at Mangee,* who, it would seem, continued a practice that was 

 known to his wise predecessors, many centuries before. 



Thus I have collected all that may be supposed to have a reference to 

 the Banyan-tree, in the remaining works of the classic authors. I do not 

 believe, that any passage, or even any allusion, has escaped me. Perhaps 

 the length, to which these observations have been extended, may require an 

 apology. I was tempted to attribute some slight degree of interest to the 

 subject, as the Banyan-tree has, in a manner, been marked by this Society 

 as its own. It has been chosen for the emblem of the Society, and as the 

 type for its seal. The extraordinary nature of this production, and its 

 locality, being peculiar to the remote East, recommended it as an object that 

 might characterize the Asiatic Society of Great Bkitain and Ireland. 

 Whether any allegorical sense, in relation to the arts and sciences, their 

 various ramification and extension, their connexion and mutual support, 

 should be combined with it, I leave for others to determine. The motto, 

 joined to our emblem, is " Quot rami, tot arbores," or, " Every branch yields 

 a tree :" and whether we adopt the allegory, or not, it is to be wished, that 

 the efforts of this Society may contribute to extend human knowledge, and 

 promote that intellectual improvement, which is calculated to constitute the 

 happiness of our species. 



• History of Sumatra, 3d ed. p. 163, note : " Under this tree sat a naked Fakir, who had 

 " occupied that situation for twenty-five years ; but he did not continue tliere the whole year 

 " through, for his vow obliged him to be, during the four cold months, up to his neck in the 

 " waters of the Ganges," 



