442 Proceedings of live Asiatic Society. [No. 4, 



result. I rather anticipate that the Chinese will decline giving pass- 

 ports to Thibet, on the ground that they do not interfere in the 

 internal administration of the country. "Whether I shall he able to 

 induce them to use their influence to favour our views, I cannot state. 

 They are much alarmed at the idea of foreign nations having inter- 

 course with these semi-barbarous races, who lie as a barrier between 

 China and the European Powers. Of this, I have seen some strik- 

 ing proofs lately with reference to the Mongolian tribes. 



In the meantime, 1 beg you to believe that I understand the im- 

 portance of the subject proposed, and shall be most happy to assist 

 in carrying it out. But as I know that the traditions of China will 

 incline her statesmen to throw obstacles in the way, the subject must 

 be approached with caution, and under favourable circumstances. 



The most enlightened Chinese have not got beyond the notion, 

 that it is a less evil to tolerate the presence of foreigners where they 

 have a right to be, than to risk a war for the purpose of keeping 

 them out. But I doubt whether there is one amongst them who 

 does not think their presence an evil. 



I remain, &c, 



(Sd.) F. W. A. Beuce. 



The nomination of Col. R. Strachey to be a Vice-President, and 

 of Mr. J. G. Medlicott a member of the Council, vice Mr. Oldham, 

 was confirmed. 



The following gentlemen, duly proposed at the last meeting, were 

 balloted for and elected ordinary members : 



H. Beverley, Esq., C. S. ; Captain J. P. Basevi ; J. W. S. "Wyllie, 

 Esq. ; W. L. Heeley, Esq., C. S., and Colonel Vincent Eyre, C. B. 



The following gentlemen were named for ballot at the next meet- 

 ing:— 



F. B. Mallet, Esq., proposed by Mr. J. G. Medlicott, seconded by 

 Mr. Atkinson. 



R. L. Martin, Esq., inspector of schools, proposed by Mr. Atkinson, 

 seconded by Mr. Leonard. 



Communications were received — 



1. From Major Walker, an extract of a report from the Civil 

 Assistant in charge of the Assam Longitudinal Series. G. T. Survey, 

 to the Superintendent of the G. T. Survey. 



2. From the President, extracts from reports by Mr. J. H. 



