1840.] Asiatic Society. 1147 



scientifically considered. I mean that of the combinatians of the different materials 

 to be found at hand, or made at a small expence; — thus, we know that throughout 

 the great basaltic district of India the elements of the Puzzolanas are every where 

 found. We know that durable roads have been constructed of volcanic materials. 

 We know that minute proportions of ferruginous or calcareous matters have often 

 extraordinary effects in consolidating earthy materials. But of what is available, 

 or how it should be used, in any given part of the country, we are totally ignorant. 

 It is evident that Indian road-making requires, if possible, more than the carefu^ 

 aggregation of materials to resist the torrents of the rains, and the heats of the 

 dry weather. It is probable that it is yet a science to be created between the 

 chemist and the engineer.* 



" XIX. Plastic Geology, — Clays and earths for pottery and other manufactures. — Of 

 these we have none in the collection, and none, particularly so described in the 

 Museum. Our first requisites are series of the English and other European pottery- 

 clays, and of those from China, if obtainable. The scouring and pigment earths, 

 and fire clays, of all kinds, are also required. Very good fire clays are found 

 in Burdwan, Rajraahl, and near Moorshedabad. I have been able to contribute 

 specimens of the earths used in the curious red varnish of the native sugar- 

 pans, which is of extraordinary durability. 



" Apart from the improvement of our domestic manufactures, it is quite possible 

 that some of our Indian clays may well pay for exportation. 



" XX. With respect to how all these desiderata may be best obtained, the Society 

 should, it is evident, first make known its wants, both in Europe and in India, by 

 printing detailed memoranda, and offering exchanges where these can be desirable. 

 From Europe we may doubtless count greatly upon the liberality of the Hon'ble the 

 Court of Directors, and that of the many old and tried friends to India who seek but 

 to know how they can best serve her. Scientific Institutions, and such associations 

 as the Royal Agricultural Society t will no doubt be ready to meet our wishes. As 

 a matter of purely commercial interest also, we must not forget to address the 

 Chambers of Commerce, and the principal commercial houses connected with India 

 both in England, on the Continent, and in America. There are doubtless many 

 gentlemen amongst these who only desire to find individuals or public bodies ready 

 to receive their suggestions and contributions, and assist their inquiries. 



** In India we shall doubtless find many mercantile men, and members of the Services, 

 ready to move their friends at home, or in various parts of India, in our behalf. To 

 Capt. Tremenheere's suggestions of assistance from Officers and Assistants of the 

 Revenue Surveys, I should add, that we may obtain much from the principal and 

 subordinate Collectors of all ranks, the Civil Surgeons, Planters, &c. and I doubt 

 not that it will be the pride of the Society to see justice done to their contri- 

 butions. 



* The recent introduction of Asphatum as a material for roads and pavements will occur 

 here as a case in point. 



t I am not sure that this is the correct title of this body. 



