PREFACE. ix 
Extract from a Public General Letter from the Hon'ble the Court of Directors, to the Governor- 
General in Council, Calcutta,—dated 31st July 1787. 
Paragraphs 39, 50 and 53.—We have received great pleasure from the perusal of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kyd’s letter referred to in these paragraphs, proposing the establishment of a Botanical Garden, and give 
our most hearty approbation to the institution, as the charges thereof are estimated at not more than 
Rs. 200 per month. The experiment respecting the cinnamon tree in particular must be made in 
different parts and soils of those extensive Provinces, in order to ascertain with certainty whether this 
spice can be produced in Bengal equal to that which grows on the island of Ceylon. We have likewise 
perused a former letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Kyd, of the 15th April 1786, relative to the sago 
tree, and its efficacy and importance in cases of famine and pestilence. We hope you will give this 
subject all the consideration that it may appear to merit. You must keep us constantly advised of the 
progress that may be made in the Botanical Garden, and continue to send us drawings of such of its 
productions as you may deem worthy of our attention. We are aware that, by extending your experi- 
ments too far, the expense may increase to an amount of which you may not at present have any idea. 
The establishment therefore must be confined in the manner pointed out by Colonel Kyd, as mentioned 
in the last paragraph but one of his letter of the Ist of June last. But so sensible are we of the vast 
importance of the objects in view, that it is by no means our intention to restrict you in point of 
expense in the pursuit of it. In the cultivation of the cinnamon tree in particular, we foresee a great 
source of wealth to the Company, and of population and opulence to the provinces under your admin- 
istration. Most earnestly therefore do we recommend it to you to proceed in your endeavours to propagate 
this spice in different places, and that you avail yourselves of the abilities and zeal of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Kyd herein, and who, by the attention he has shown to.a matter which may one day prove of 
the greatest benefit to his constituents and to his country, stands most deservedly high in our esteem 
and favour, 
LirvTENANT-Cotone, R. Kyp’s Will. 
Tue last will and testament of Robert Kyd, Lieutenant-Colonel in the East India Company’s 
service on the Bengal establishment, hereby revoking and declaring null and yoid all former wills. 
* I leave to my friends Charles William Boughton Rous, John Shore, and William 
Larkins a ring each, value fifty guineas, and entreat their acceptance of this memorial of my affection, 
respect and esteem for their character. The rest of my fortune I leave to Major Alexander Kyd 
aforesaid. * * * * * To my friend John Fleming, Surgeon in the East India Company’s service, 
a ring three thousand rupees value, in testimony of my regard for his humane attention. To my friend 
Herbert Harris for Lis kind attention to me during my sickness, a ring of one thousand rupees value. 
To Doctor Hare a ring of one thousand rupees value. To my native servant, known by the name of 
Rajemahl Missah, the monthly sum of eight rupees during his life, in retribution for the unsuitable 
education given to him, entailing separation from his native soil and. kindred. To the other native known 
by the name of George, in reparation of the injury done him by his former master, in alienating him 
from his tribe (understood Rajpoot), converting him to Christianity, and secluding him from all future 
connection with his family, the monthly sum of six rupees during his life; to both on condition of 
their continuing to serve Major Alexander Kyd during his residence in India. To all my other 
servants one month’s pay on my decease. To Raja Kishore Roy, the talukdar of Sibpur, a ring 
value fifty rupees. I further leave to my niece, Miss Rachael Lindsay, now Mrs. Dickson, the 
sum of five hundied pounds. ‘lo the two orphans at my gardens, known by the names of Boonchey 
and Chooneah, I desire fifty 1upees be given to each. The remaining part of my fortune, I say the 
remainder of my fortune, including my house, garden at Sibpur, and all monies or effects cf mine 
“whatever in Europe and here, I leave to the aforesaid Major Alexander Kyd, and appoint him, 
Charles William Boughton Rous, John Shore, William Larkins, and Henry Wilsone and Company 
(my present acting attorneys in Calcutta) executors of this my last will and testament, which I beg 
and entreat of them to cause to be executed. It is my further desire that I may be buried in my 
