S98 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Oct. 



tince by the lata Dr. Gerard in the Spili valley, and other places in the interior 

 of these mountains might advantageously be followed up, by farther and more 

 complete research. 



Little, save the existence of these fossil beds has hitherto been noted, and 

 the rigorous climate in which they are found, renders it more than probable that 

 few if any subsequent travellers will be inclined to venture into those inhospita- 

 ble regions, where the Thermometer, in the month of October, stood, in the 

 morning, (as noted in the Dr.'s memoranda), at 16*, 15°, and even 10°. 



Through the liberality of Captain P. Gerard residing at Simla, I have had an 

 opportunity of perusing the Dr.'s memoranda, and am of opinion that research in 

 the localities he notes down, would give to science some valuable additional in- 

 formation on the subject of these interesting deposits of the antediluvian world. 



Subsequent to Dr. Gerard's discovery, — and wholly dependent on that gentle- 

 man for his information, — M. Jacquemont I believe visited the valley of the 

 Spiti, — but whether he succeeded in penetrating to the fossil locality, or was 

 deterred by the rigours of the climate, is unknown. 



Shall we, however, allow the riches of our dominions to be brought to light and 

 reaped by Foreign Societies? 



They send out travellers to glean in the cause of science, through every clime, 

 while we alone, the richest nation of them all, sit idly by and watch their progress. 



I had contemplated an expedition to Spite, this year, but straitened circum- 

 stances and family affairs, have obliged me with reluctance to relinquish the 

 undertaking. 



Should the Society deem the Dr.'s discovery worthy of being followed up, 

 I would humbly offer under their patronage to undertake the trip, the expences 

 of which, if necessary, I would gladly share. 



In those climates the best and I may say only season for successful research 

 would be during the summer months, i. e. from May until the end of September 

 or October, and I should calculate the monthly cost at about one hundred and 

 fifty rupees (150 Rs.) 



Dr. Gerard notes the bed of marine fossils, or solid shell rock to be no less 

 than one mile in depth, while loose fossils of various species were lying about on 

 the summits of the ridges at an altitude of 16,000 ft. above the sea. 



He had, at the time of this discovery, no leisure to prosecute research, as the 

 season was too far advanced, and his health too much impaired to admit of his 

 exposing himself longer to the bitter cold which was fast setting in, — nor did 

 the Dr.'s pursuits or knowledge of the subject permit his making the most of 

 the discovery. 



Other branches of the Natural History of these Hills, might at the same time 

 be pursued with advantage, and according to the Dr.'s memoranda, there are 

 many objects of value and interest in this department to be met with. 



Should the Society be inclined to lend a favorable ear to my suggestion, 

 nothing would be requisite but the permission of the Governor General for my 

 being appointed to the undertaking, and from the anxiety His Lordship has ever 

 shown, to forward Scientific Research, little doubt need be entertained as to the 

 result, if solicited to that effect by the Asiatic Society. 



I have broached the subject thus early in order that every preparation may 

 be made for the successful accomplishment of the undertaking. 

 I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 



THOMAS HUTTON, Lt. 37th Regt. N. I. 



To James Prinsep, Esq. Sec. As. Soc. 



Resolved, that the Society feels much indebted to Lieut. Hutton for his 

 disinterested proposal, and will have great pleasure in furthering his plan 

 for the thorough exploration of the Spiti valley, and the neighbouring 

 regions of the Himalaya, by placing one thousand rupees at his disposal 

 for this object, provided he is enabled to prosecute the journey ; and on the 

 conditions suggested by himself, that the objects of natural history recent 

 and fossil collected in the trip shall be deposited in the Society's Museum. 



