1874.] L. Schwendler — On Earth-Currents. 145 



For example, the two Eailway lines between Bombay and Madras, one 

 of which is very perfect in insulation, while the other is quite the reverse, 

 both exhibit a copper current flowing permanently from Madras towards 

 Bombay ; and this fact, having been ascertained from a large number of 

 tests, extending over a considerable period, and made from both Madras and 

 Bombay, proves that the cause is a general one with respect to time, and 

 that the method and place of measurement do not influence the direction of 

 the current observed. Further, as one of the wires is used for the through 

 traffic towards Bombay, while the other is used for the through traffic to- 

 wards Madras, and as both circuits are worked with copper currents, the 

 natural currents, which flow in the same direction in the two wires, certainly 

 cannot be due to the polarization of the earth-plates or of faulty places in 

 the lines. The average electromotive force in these wires is about 4*5 

 Daniells, and maxima of 15 and 20 Daniells are occasionally reached. 



I consider it, therefore, established that " earth-currents'^ do permanent- 

 ly exist in the lines of India, their general drift being from east to west, 

 and that we should be now justified in establishing a special system for the 

 purpose of observing them, according to a uniform plan and with improved 

 test methods." 



Mr. Schwendler concluded by saying that, based on the facts above 

 stated, he had proposed to the Council of the Asiatic Society to urge on Go- 

 vernment the introduction of a system of measurement oi earth-currents ; that 

 the Council had received the proposal most warmly, and had appointed 

 Colonel Hyde, Mr. 11. S. Brough, and himself, to work out a practical 

 system; and that Colonel Robinson, the Director Greneral of Telegraphs, had 

 intimated his kind co-operation in the matter. 



The reading of the following papers was postponed. 



Note by Colonel E. T. Dalton, C. S. I , on a Picture representing the 

 taking of Palamau by Daud Khan, Aurangzib's general. 



Contributions towards a knowledge of the Burmese Flora. By S. 

 Kurz, Esq. 



The receipt of the following communication was announced. 

 1. Ahom Comparative Letters, No. 2. By J. M. Foster, Esq. 



