1016 Asiatic Society. [No. 143. 



veiling expences when not furnished with a conveyance by Government, by which 

 also all contingent charges, such as the costs of surveying, those of examining mineral 

 sites, or such as might perhaps prove to be such, collecting and conveying specimens, 

 &c. &c. are to be defrayed. The Society would also solicit permission for an indent 

 on the Magazine and Surveyor General's Office, for tools and scientific instruments, 

 &c. under its inspection, and responsibility for their safe custody and due return. 

 Mr. Mornay's time to be at the disposal of Government under the Society's directions, 

 for any period long or short, as may be found necessary. 



It presumes that this will not be thought more than a fair remuneration for the 

 services of a gentleman of scientific attainments on a duty which must involve much 

 personal labour and some discomfort, and which demands acquirements not commonly 

 to be met with in India. 



4. In conclusion, the Society would earnestly and respectfully urge upon the 

 attention of Government, that opportunities combining as this does the augmentation of 

 general knowledge and the chances of immediate benefit, and both in the same locality, 

 but rarely indeed occur ; and it is thus the more anxious that this investigation which 

 it trusts cannot fail to redound to the credit of its promoters, should not be neglected. 



H. Torrens, 



Uth October, 1843. Vice President and Secretary Asiatic Society. 



No. 298. 



From T. R. Davidson, Esq. Officiating Secretary to the Government of India, 

 to H. Torrens, Esq. Vice President and Secretary to the Asiatic Society, dated 

 the list October, 1843. 



Home Department. 



Sir, — I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 11th instant, 

 written by desire of the President and Members of the Asiatic Society, requesting 

 that a scientific person may be sent at the public expense to examine a Volcanic 

 Island, which is stated to have appeared off False Island near the S. E. end of Cheduba, 

 and explaining the reasons which have induced the Society to make this request. 



2nd. The Governor General in Council considers, that there should be a Nautical 

 Survey in the first instance of this Island; its locality and extent should be accurately 

 ascertained, before its internal formation and character are scientifically examined. 



3rd. His Lordship in Council will request the Hon'ble the Deputy Governor of 

 Bengal to authorize an arrangement by which a Nautical Survey may be effected, 

 and when that object has been attained, and the result reported, the adoption of fur- 

 ther measures, with a view to the promotion of Science, will be taken into consideration. 



I have the honor to be, Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



Council Chamber, the list October, 1843. T. R. Davidson, 



Offg. Secy, to the Govt, of India. 



And the following from Captain Williams was also read : — 



No. 1898. 



Letter of Assistant Commissioner Capt. D. Williams, of 9th August 1843, with 

 report of the native Soogree, (officer,) accompanying it. 



