1836.] Asiatic Society. 249 



These manuscripts form a part of a mass of papers wliicli the author had 

 compiled many years ago, with the view to giving a connected account of Siam. 

 The publications of Mr. Crawfurd and others on that country, which satisfied 

 public curiosity then, caused him to lay them aside ; the present however contain 

 facts either new or more circumstantially detailed than hitherto. 



A brief description of Masud, or Farid Shakarganj, was received from 

 Munshi Mohan Lal, at Dera Ghdzi Khan. 



Physical. 



Captain W". Foley submitted a paper, illustrated by specimens, and a 

 map of the geology of the country in the neighbourhood of Maulmein, 

 (correctly Maulamyeng.) 



It was from a cave in the limestone range on the left bank of the Gyeng 

 river, the Damatha cavern, that the elephant's tusk, carved with images of Buddha, 

 and the Pali manuscripts above mentioned, were obtained. 



A paper by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. on three new species of Paradoxurus, 

 found in the Nipal valley, was submitted. 



A collection of 148 mounted birds, six birds' nests with eggs, six mam- 

 malia, one reptile, and the head and legs of various birds, were presented 

 by R. Inglis, Esq. 



These formed part of the Macao museum lately abandoned. It had been 

 proposed to transfer the whole collection to Calcutta, and as far as concentra- 

 tion is beneficial, it is to be regretted that this munificent intention had been 

 abandoned. 



A collection of mounted birds, procured by the Curator, in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Calcutta. 



Specimens of shells, presented by Wu. Bruce, Esq. 



A stuffed Alligator, preserved and presented by Dr. Evans. A small 

 specimen was also exhibited to the Meeting by the same gentleman, who 

 remarks : 



" This is a specimen of the broad-nosed species, common to most parts of 

 India, and the kind generally found frequenting old tanks, jheels, and nallahs, 

 and that seldom attains to any very large size. It measures eight feet two inches, 

 and is evidently not a very young animal. 



" In comparing it with the small specimen in the glass case, which was taken 

 alive from the Hooghly, it would appear to be a distinct species ; as I find a con- 

 siderable difference in the proportionate length of the tails of the two animals, 

 and also in the number of the spinous processes, the large, having only 35 

 from the insertion of the thigh to the tip of the tail, while the smaller has 42. 

 The number of carinated tubercles on the neck varies also, but this latter deviation 

 may arise from difference of age or other circumstances ; they both correspond 

 as to number and position of their teeth, the upper jaws having 36, the lower 30, 

 and so disposed as to alternate with each other when closed : the larger animal 

 has again two perforations at the extremity of the nose for the admission of the 

 two long sharp teeth of the lower jaw, which are not perceptible in the smaller 

 one. 



" Both have the power of diffusing a strong musky odour when irritated, and 

 which I find is derived from two glands opening externally, and situated on the 

 inner side of the ramus of each jaw." 



A skull of a Chinese, presented by Mr. W. Carr. 



An Albatross, and a collection of shells and insects, presented by Mr. 

 J. T. Pearson. 



Proceedings of the Committee of the Papers and the Museum Committee, 

 assembled at the Asiatic Society's Rooms on Friday, 29th April, 1 836. 

 The Curator read the following Report upon the Progress of the Museum 

 during the last year : 



In reporting on the present state of the Museum, we must revert to what it 

 was last year, when the Society appointed me its Curator ; in order to enable 

 you to form an opinion as to the usefulness or otherwise of that appointment. 

 2 K 



