May, 184(3.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. xxxv 



as follows : " Dentals. I have since learnt that this is a misnomer, the 

 drop-shaped objects to which I refer being, I believe, styled Guttce, from 

 their supposed similarity to drops of water." Instructions were given 

 accordingly. 



Read the following extract of a letter, dated 23d March, 1846, from 

 H. T. Prinsep, Esq., to the Secretary: 



You may recollect that about a year ago, when I reported what had passed be- 

 tween myself and Baron Brunnow, the Russian ambassador, anent the proposed 

 interchange of articles of Oriental literature, I mentioned a suggestion I had made 

 for extending the interchange to mineral and other specimens that might conduce to 

 advantageous comparisons between the Altai and Himalaya mountains. 



A few days ago I saw the Secretary of the Russian legation, and he put into 

 my hands the enclosed as the result of my suggestions. You will see that 

 the Russian authorities profess a willingness to entertain the proposition, and re- 

 fer me to Col. Helmerson, with whom the manner of carrying it out is to be arrang- 

 ed. I have yet had no communication with the Colonel, and I learn that he will not 

 be in England till August or September. In the meantime I think it right that you 

 should know what is in agitation, that you may bring the subject before the Society, 

 and with Mr. Piddington's aid, and that of other scientific proficients in the depart- 

 ment point out what classes of specimens you most wish to procure from Russia, and 

 what you can furnish out of your own duplicate stores. At the suggestion of Baron 

 Brunnow, I called upon Mr. Murchison, in order to talk over the subject with him, 

 but found he was not prepared to make any specific suggestions as to the articles 

 first to be interchanged. Expense I pointed out was a consideration on your side, 

 but if the Russian authorities would be content with the duplicates of what we had 

 in store, this consideration would not apply, so much as if we were to collect new 

 specimens, and in this case there must be delay. However, I should be glad to learn 

 the views taken of this matter by the scientifics of Calcutta. 



I have had a summons to sit for completion of my picture to-morrow ; it has 

 been untouched for more than a year in consequence of the painter's (Mr. Say) 

 serious illness * * I guess it will now very shortly be completed, perhaps in 

 time for exhibition, but that is uncertain. 



The Royal Asiatic Society will have out very shortly Col. Rawlinson's arrow- 

 headed inscriptions from Behistoor, and Mr. Norris's reading of the Kupoordigeri, 

 (rock inscription.) 



Both are highly interesting, the first the most wonderful that has ever been found 

 and deciphered. 



The communication from Baron OuwarofT to Baron Brunnow, refer- 

 ed to in the above extract, was also read and is as follows ; — ■ 



