8 On the Native Method of making the Paper, [Jan. 



not occur in the Hindu genealogical lists, either as that of a tribe or 

 people. It is most akin to the term Salcas, the Sacce or Scythians of 

 antiquity, the Tartars of modern time ; and it is not at all unlikely 

 that a colony of these people settled in this part of India, as did the 

 Afghans many centuries later in Rohilkund. In that case, they pro- 

 bably brought with them the faith of Bud'dha, and communicated it to 

 India, whence it returned to them improved by the scholarship of learn- 

 ed converts. It is very doubtful, if Bud'dhism ever prevailed exten- 

 sively in central Hindustan, whilst it is quite certain, that it flourished 

 exceedingly in the north and west of India, about the commencement 

 of the Christian aera. We know that it is still widely cultivated through- 

 out central Asia, and that part of the world is most probably its ancient 

 and original seat. Some additional light may possibly be thrown on 

 these subjects by the succeeding portions of the Kah-gyur. 



II. — On the Native Method of making the Paper, denominated in 

 Hindustan, Nipalese. By B. H. Hodgson, Esq. Acting Resident, 

 Nepal. 



For the manufacture of the Nipalese paper, the following" implements 

 are necessary, but a very rude construction of them suffices for the 

 end in view. 



1st. A stone mortar, of shallow and wide cavity, or a large block 

 of stone, slightly but smoothly excavated. 



2nd. A mallet or pestle of hard wood, such as oak, and in size 

 proportioned to the mortar, and to the quantity of boiled rind of the 

 paper plant which it is desired to pound into pulp. 



3rd. A basket of close wicker work, to put the ashes in, and through 

 which water will pass only drop by drop. 



4th. An earthen vessel or receiver, to receive the juice of the ashes 

 after they have been watered. 



5th. A metallic open-mouthed pot, to boil the rind of the plant in. 

 It may be of iron, or copper, or brass, indifferently ; an earthen one 

 would hardly bear the requisite degree of fire. 



6th. A sieve, the reticulation of the bottom of which is wide and 

 open, so as to let all the pulp pass through it, save only the lumpy parts 

 of it. 



7th. A frame, with stout wooden sides, so that it will float well in 

 water, and with a bottom of cloth, only so porous that the meshes of 

 it will stay all the pulp, even when dilated and diffused in water ; but 



