1098 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Dec. 



though the Journal had nearly doubled its volume, it had still been unable to 

 keep pace with the influx of scientific and literary contributions." 



Mr. A. Csoma in writing thanked the Society for the honor they had 

 intended him, but declined accepting the librarianship, as interfering with 

 the course of studies he had marked out for the short period of his sojourn 

 in Calcutta. 



Resolved — nem. con. on the motion of the Secretary, supported by the 

 Lord Bishop, that Mr. Kittoe be placed in temporary "charge of the library 

 and museum on the consolidated allowance heretofore granted to the cura- 

 tor and librarian, viz. Rs. 200 per month. 



In introducing the above proposition allusion was made to the important ser- 

 vices rendered by Mr. Kittoe in bringing to light the numerous inscriptions of 

 Orissa or, more properly, ancient Kalinga. A more thorough survey of its ruins 

 was one object contemplated in his nomination, as the discoverer might again 

 be deputed thither when business at home did not press, and he might bring 

 away drawings and plans of all the caves and Buddhist sculpture. There were 

 many deserted monuments there well worthy of preservation in the Society's mu- 

 seum. 



Antiquities. 



A letter from Captain Sanders, Sec. Mil. Bd. acquainted the Society 

 with the resolution of the Right Honorable the Governor General to devote 

 2,500 rupees to the re-erection of the Allahabad pillar on Captain Smith's 

 design No. 3, with the restoration of the lion capital as suggested by 

 Lieutenant Kittoe. 



Mr. Liston forwarded from Gorakhpur, a sketch and facsimile of a pillar 

 and inscription discovered by him in the eastern division of that district. 



The inscription is in the Samudra Gupta alphabet, and apparently in excellent 

 preservation : an impression has been requested before proceeding to decipher it. 



Mr. Vigne transmitted from Tskardo, Little Tibet, a more accurate 

 copy of the inscription he had noticed a year ago. 



This inscription has been read by M. Csoma and will appear in the next 

 journal. 



The Rev. J. Wilson, President, Bombay Asiatic Society, at the request 

 of the Secretary sent round by sea the cloth facsimiles (natural size) of the 

 Girnar inscriptions of which copies on paper had been previously commu- 

 nicated. 



Although not equal in accuracy to printed impressions, it is hoped that these 

 splendid memorials may now be deciphered. Those of the older character relate 

 to Piyadasi, but they are very different in tenor from the pillar inscriptions. 



Mr. Kittoe gave a revised copy of the Khandgiri inscription of Stir- 

 ling. 



A curious war-hat worn by the Singphos, also their musical instruments, 

 mat-shoes, Chinese boots, and fan, were presented for the museum, by Co- 

 lonel H. Burney. 



Literary. 



Read a letter from the Rev. Wm. Taylor, of Madras, on the subject 

 of the Mackenzie manuscripts, accompanied with an analysis of several 

 of the restored volumes. 



These papers are sent under the impression of their being acceptable for pub- 

 lication in the Researches, reserving the original texts and translations of such 

 manuscripts as are considered worthy of further notice for a separate volume. 



Referred to the Committee of Papers. 



Major Law, Commissioner, Province Wellesley, presented an Essay on the 

 birth of Buddha, according to the Siamese authorities. 



