vi PREFACE 



Wyndham R. Dunstan, E.R.S., LL.D., Director of the 

 Imperial Institute; and Sir Thomas Holderness, K. C.S.I. 

 Lieut. -Colonel D. Prain, C.I.E., E.R.S., was subsequently 

 appointed a member of the Committee. The writing of 

 the work was commenced in 1904 and completed in 1907. 

 During its progress the manuscript of many articles was 

 submitted to scientific experts who were good enough 

 to allow me to consult them. Among these I may 

 mention the generous help received from the members 

 of the advisory committee, more especially Sir William 

 Thiselton-Dyer, who, during his long and honourable 

 connection with Kew, had gained a unique knowledge 

 of the products of India, and was ever ready and 

 willing to assist in forwarding the best interests of the 

 work. Sir Thomas Holland, K.C.I.E., E.R.S., Director 

 of the Geological Survey of India, kindly perused all 

 the articles on "Metals and Minerals," and made 

 numerous valuable suggestions. Mr. T. H. Middleton, 

 M.A., Assistant Secretary, Board of Agriculture, per- 

 mitted me to consult him regarding "Live Stock." 



*-j <j 



Dr. Harold H. Mann contributed towards the article 011 

 "Tea"; Mr. H. M. Leake, M.A., on "Indigo"; Mr. 

 C. A. Barber, M.A., on "Pepper." Mr. E. M. Holmes 

 was good enough to read the proofs of certain passages 

 on drugs ; Professor A. H. Church, E.R.S., very readily 

 responded to my inquiries, and Dr. J. A. Voelcker 

 advised me on doubtful points in agricultural chemistry. 

 Mr. E. W. Thomas, Librarian India Office, rendered 

 invaluable service regarding the origins of Indian 

 classical and vernacular names. Professor E. Rapson, of 

 Cambridge, was similarly good enough to help me on 

 several occasions with the Indian classic authors, Dr. 

 Gr. A. Grierson, C.I.E., was most liberal in his responses, 

 and Mr. W. Eoster was ever ready to supply infor- 

 mation regarding the Records of the India Office. 



