1850.] Scientific Enquiries in Kumaon. 239 



called) to Ceylon, L. vernalis ranges over the hilly regions of all India, 

 with Asam, Arakan, the Tenasserim provinces, and also Java ; like 

 Palceornis barbatus, and similarly without invading (as it would 

 seem) the regions tenanted by L. galgulus together with P. malaccen- 

 sis and Tanygnathus malaccensis. It may further be remarked that 

 the whole of these species are such as no zoologist would hesitate 

 in regarding as indisputably distinct, with the exception of Lori- 

 culus asiaticus, which some would consider to be a local variety of L. 

 vernalis ; in which case the race of the Philippines (L. rubrifrons) and 

 another we have seen figured with the entire head crimson, should like- 

 wise rank as varieties merely of L. vernalis. 



Notice of Lieut. Strachey's Scientific Enquiries in Kumaon. 



From J. Thornton, Esq. Secretary to Government, N. W. P. 



To Secretary, Asiatic Society, Calcutta. 



Sir, — I am desired by the Honorable the Lieutenant-Governor, N. 

 W. P. to request that you will lay before the Asiatic Society, the an- 

 nexed copy of a letter from Lieutenant R. Strachey, Bengal Engineers, 

 who has lately been engaged on scientific enquiries in Kumaon, under 

 the orders of this Government. 



2. Lieutenant Strachey has embarked for England in the March 

 Steamer from Calcutta, carrying with him all his papers and collections; 

 which will be placed at the disposal of the Honorable the Court of 

 Directors. 



3. Lieutenant Strachey had not sufficient time after his return from 

 Kumaon, to prepare any of his papers for publication. This will be 

 more advantageously and easily done in England. My present com- 

 munication is designed to inform the Society, and through them the 

 public generally, of the nature and extent of Lieutenant Strachey's 

 researches, and of the quarter, whence further information respecting 

 them may be expected. 



I have the honor to be, Sir, 



Your obedient humble servant, 

 J. Thornton, 

 Agra, the 25th March, 1850. Secy, to Govt. N. W. P. 



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