522 Asiatic Society. [No. 138. 



few observers, with their unsettled residences and passing visits, together with the un- 

 frequented localities of many of our remarkable Geological and Mineralogical speci- 

 mens, we obtain perhaps one set of specimens, and it is a quarter of a century at 

 least, before the spot is again visited by an European, who can select another set ! As 

 an instance ; it is now 18 years since Captain Franklin visited the Diamond Mines of 

 Punna in Bundlecund, and his specimens have even disappeared from our Museum. 

 It may be 10 years more before another geologist visits the spot. A few sets of 

 specimens from thence would be invaluable as presents at home. 



The Rev. Mr. Pratt has obliged us again with a number of Geological specimens 

 obtained at various parts on his recent voyage ; many of which are valuable in them- 

 selves, or will fill up blanks in our Geological series. 



I observed accidentally on passing the Kidderpore Bridge, a large lump of chalk 

 amongst the ballast heaped by the side of the Nullah. Upon examination, this proved to 

 be a piece of the upper chalk with flints ! and as a specimen it fills up a blank in our 

 collection. On another rock I found a number of oysters, (Ostrea gregarea,) which 

 are also I think new to the Museum. It is of course impossible to ascertain the locality 

 of these specimens, but they are always useful for reference. 



I have to report in this department the dispatch of a box, containing a duplicate 

 series (160 specimens) of Captain Pemberton's Geological Collection on his Mission 

 into Bootan. Being a Government Collection, it may be right to place on record here, 

 the letter addressed by me to our Secretary with the box. 



H. Toerens, Esq. Secretary of the Asiatic Society. 



Sir, — In obedience to the desire expressed by the Honorable the Court of Directors, 

 I beg to forward for transmission from the Geological Department of the Society, a du- 

 plicate set of Geological Specimens, 160 in number, collected on Captain Pemberton's 

 Mission to Bootan. 



2. These specimens it may be right to explain, though collected in 1837-38, were sent 

 to the Museum in 1841, by Captain Pemberton's executor, General McLeod, B. E., 

 and there recognised as being this series; but no catalogue or note accompanied them. 



3. After much search for many months, it was discovered that the numbers referred 

 to Capt. Pemberton's private Note Book, from which Mrs. Pemberton having copied 

 the localities and other details, the Memorandum was sent out to the Society from 

 England by General McLeod. Had we earlier possessed this note, no delay would 

 have occurred in arranging and forwarding the collection. 



4. A Catalogue accompanies, and a duplicate of it is enclosed in the box. 



5. I beg to suggest, that a copy of this letter be forwarded with your letter of advice. 



I have the honour to be, &c. 

 Asiatic Society's Rooms, H. Piddington, 



bth June, 1843. Sub-Secretary of the Asiatic Society, 



and Curator Museum Economic Geology of India. 



The reference to the Gungtung Pass in the above is in relation to M. Jacquemont's well known 

 mystery (or hoax) respecting som^J^p^fjljkf)^p3^de there. See Journal, Vol. V p. 190, which 

 I had pointed out to Captain 



