Dec. 1844.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. cxxxix 



and a variety of current business of daily urgency, I find it impossible to make that 

 progress, which I wish and desire, not only in the preparation of the letterpress to ac- 

 company the publication of Burnes' drawings, but in various other matters which 

 it is desirable should meet with every attention. There is, indeed, abundant occupation 

 for one naturalist in the entomological department, whether or not comprising the 

 whole of the annulose animals; and there is equal occupation for another in the in- 

 vestigation of Indian mollusca and other Invertebrata exclusive of the annulose 

 animals. But, for the present, a good deal of assistance might be rendered to me by 

 the appointment of a youth, whom I have for some time past employed in writing 

 labels, and doing other work of the kind, and who might be engaged as a general 

 assistant to me for a salary of 10 or 12 rupees a month to begin with, promising an 

 advance in case of his affording satisfaction after a sufficient trial. It is quite neces- 

 sary also that some addition should be made to the number of servants in my depart- 

 ment. At present there is only one old man, who is quite superannuated, and I am 

 constantly obliged to employ my own private servants in the Society's business. 

 There is full employment for two additional servants, one as a messenger, and the 

 other to assist in cleaning the specimens, glasses, &c. : the fact being, that the place of 

 one who left some six months ago has never been filled up, his work having been since 

 performed chiefly by lads who are now distributed over the country in the capacity of 

 taxidermists, assisting different gentlemen who are active contributors to the Society's 

 museum. Leaving these matters to your consideration, 



I beg to remain, Sir, 

 11th December, 1844. Yours very respectfully, 



E. Blyth. 



Referred for discretional intercourse with the Secretary. 



Read the following references to and from the Committee of Papers, and papers 

 connected with them, on the subject of Major Jervis' proposal to execute glypo- 

 graphs and lithographs for the Society: — 



1 have to circulate the extract accompanying.* 



For my own part I think it in some sort our duty to patronise, and encourage local 

 artists rather than go to England for our illustrations. If the Society are satisfied 

 with what has been done hitherto, 1 may perhaps be directed to write to Major Jervis 

 accordingly. 



H. Torrens, 



December, 6th, 1844. V. P. #c. $c. 



Memorandum by the Sub-secretary. 



My Dear Torrens, — Looking at your note for the circulation of Major Jervis' 

 letter and specimens of Lithography, the following views occur tome which the Com- 

 mittee should also I think bear in mind. 



* See Proceedings of November. 



