1847.] 'Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. \257 



continued, the nature of the rites and ceremonies, the castes most engaged in 

 each, and any other information which intelligent persons will he so good as 

 to collect. I have often reflected upon the usefulness of such information 

 properly embodied and considered ; by such we may be able to throw great 

 light on the ancient religion of the country, and more particularly on the 

 subject of Budhism in its early form. Mr. Laidlay has kindly brought to my 

 notice a very important fact described by Fa-Hian, viz. the existence of a 

 " Rut jatra," or Car procession of the image of Budha, at the same period 

 as that now observed for the Car of Jugnath, which fact adds weight to an 

 opinion I have long held that both Jugnath and Somnath were originally 

 Budhist fanes. A great fair was held at Sarnath, last week, a place of known 

 Budhist origin, but the object worshipped is Maha Deva, which again adds 

 weight to another opinion I have expressed on the possibility of that wor- 

 ship being also connected with Budhism for as I have shown already, wherever 

 Budist relics exist there also we find the emblem of Siva, or the male 

 power. 



4th. I request that your Society will apply to Government to allow sculp- 

 tures and other objects worthy of a place in the Museums of Calcutta and 

 the India House to be taken free of expense on board their river steamers. 

 I for one am so situated that I could supply many very useful specimens. 1 

 have at present several very curious idols lately dug up, and many more would 

 be supplied. 



In conclusion, I beg to offer my services whilst at this place as agent on all 

 matters of interest to the Society. I wish to further the views of my kind 

 patron, our late lamented Secretary, James Prinsep, whose name is still men- 

 tioned with respect and affection at this seat of his first labours for the in- 

 terest of our Society. 



M. Kittoe. 



The marks of the Society were voted to Capt, Kittoe for his obliging 

 offer para. 2d and last, which was accepted; his suggestions in paras. 

 3d and 4th being referred to the Council for consideration. 



From Baron Van Hammer Furgstall, transmitting a set of the Vien- 

 na Review for the last year. 



From Dr. Julius Retzhold, Librarian to His Royal Highness the 

 Prince John of Saxony, acknowledging with thanks the present from 

 the Society, of Abdul Razzaq's Dictionary of the technical terms of the 

 Sufees. 



From Messrs. Allen and Co., London, dated li)th August, \S47 t 

 enclosing annual statement of account. 



7 z 2 



