1875.] Suggestions for the Yunan Expedition. 3 



ancient, or where the characters in which they are inscribed are not the 

 ordinary characters of the country, and especially where more than one set 

 of characters appears to be employed (bilingual and even trilingual inscrip- 

 tions are not unknown in various parts of China), impressions, hand copies, 

 or photographs might be taken. Small inscribed objects of a similar nature 

 of apparent antiquity might be purchased. 



Of ancient buildings, or buildings of architectural value, photographs, 

 plans, and sketches might be made, and such information as can be pro- 

 cured regarding them noted down. Ancient Chinese MSS. might be bought, 

 if procurable, but much judgment would be required in their selection ; as to 

 this, Mr. Elias would probably be able to advise. They should be trans- 

 mitted to Hongkong or England, as they would be of no use in India. It is 

 just possible, however, that old MSS. of the Qoran or other Arabic works 

 may be procurable from amongst the spoils of the Panthays. If so, these 

 might be secured. Chinese numismatics have, it is believed, become a study 

 of some interest in Europe, but no hints can be given as to the value of the 

 coins to be sought for. 



It is just possible also that in some of the more famous Buddhist 

 places, old Sanskrit MSS. may exist. Of these it is probable the mission 

 could not procure the originals, but copies might be obtained. It is not 

 believed, however, that the mission will meet with such good fortune. Chinese 

 works being avowedly translations from the Sanskrit, or bearing on the con- 

 nexion of China and India, would be valuable, especially those of a Buddhistic 

 character. 



Ethnology. 

 The various races or tribes, of whom any trustworthy observations 

 can be made or obtained, should be carefully distinguished : their typical 

 characteristics, whether physical or in the mode and general circumstances 

 of life and social economy, dwellings, implements, dress, funeral cere- 

 monies and customs, and so on, should be noted. Their own traditions 

 concerning their origin, tribal names, migrations, should be sought ; 

 and all sound information that can be collected in regard to language 

 and history will be most valuable. Facts which serve to differentiate 

 between Aryan and non- Aryan . peoples should be especially looked for ; 

 and any Hindu-Aryan ingredient, when it can be detected, and the 

 extent to which it prevails, should be marked. Also all data which 

 could afford a reasonable foundation for comparison or connexion between 

 the Mongolian and Malayan people of Burmah and China, on the one side, 

 and the Kols and the Dravidian races of the peninsula of India, on the 

 other, should as far as possible be secured. If any traces of pre-historic peo- 

 ple can be discovered, such as may exist in the shape of human or animal 

 remains, stone or metal implements, weapons, &c, in caves and gravel de- 



