lxxii Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Sept. 184 G. 



and that of suppressing it altogether in its present most flourishing condition : as it 

 is, the indifference of our countrymen generally to Scientific Natural History is 

 matter of deserved reproach with all civilized foreigners to this day. Oxford nor 

 Cambridge can boast of a chair for Zoology among its Professorships; and during 

 the brief period that the French held sway in Egypt, more was done towards the 

 investigation of the natural productions of that country, far more than has been even 

 yet accomplished for India. 1 had hoped to effect something that should at least 

 contribute to remove this stigma from our nation, and have thought myself entitled 

 to look to the Society to second my exertions to carry out the objects of my cura- 

 torship, at any rate to afford due scope for the exercise of such abilities as I may 

 possess, and grant me the chance of earning all possible reputation that should com- 

 pensate in some degree for the insignificance of my pecuniary allowances. 



It is to be remarked that the contingent expenses of the Zoological department 

 of the Museum, have certainly not increased in the ratio of its developement ; but 

 on the contrary have decreased for the last two years and more, from the consider- 

 able diminution of the number of purchases of specimens. What few indeed are 

 now brought, in the bnzar or of Shikarees, are almost wholly with a view to supply 

 other Museums with specimens, in return for the contributions we receive of desi- 

 derata for our own ; and it will be admitted that money can scarcely be better 

 spent than in such intercourse. It is chiefly by the present system of active cor- 

 respondence with working naturalists that our collections have been advanced to 

 their present highly prosperous condition ; and it is only by adhering to that system 

 that a continuance of the same success can be assured to us. * 



By dint of no small labour and perseverance a very extensive system of corre- 

 spondence both within and out of India has been gradually established, to the results 

 of which our collections bear almost daily testimony, but we only begin to reap the 

 advantages of that intercourse, and a more inauspicious time for checking the fur- 

 therance of its objects by the withdrawal of the funds necessary for that among 

 other purposes can scarcely be than just at present. 



In conclusion I must repeat that the establishment is already at its minimum 

 compatible with ability, and that in my humble opinion no retrenchment can be made 

 in its expenses without much more than commensurate detriment to the Society's 

 Museum, and obstruction to the objects for which in part the Society was originally 

 constituted. 



Believe me, my dear Sirs, ever truly your's, 



(Signed) E. Blyth, 

 Curator Zoological Museum, 

 (True Copy.) 



H. TORRENS, 



V. P. and Secretary. 



