Report. ix 



and exertions the sale of the Oriental Publications has been remarka- 

 bly increased (from Rs. 777 7 3 in 1846, to Rs. 1706 12,) in the year 

 now terminated.* 



The Council regret to state that the Naturalists of the Society com- 

 plain justly of the very scanty supply of standard books in their De- 

 partment of the Library. Admitting and lamenting the deficiency, the 

 Council are unable to advise any immediate measure for the supply of 

 the requisite works, which are so costly that their purchase would cause 

 an expenditure of from 10,000 to 15,000 Rupees. An efficient Library 

 Committee would probably be enabled to do much within a reasonable 

 time towards obviating the defect complained of, by a judicious use of the 

 profits accruing from the sale of the Society's publications, and by a sys- 

 tem of exchanges with other learned Institutions. The appointment of a 

 Library Committee seems the first step which should be taken, and the 

 Council accordingly propose that Dr. Walker, Dr. Roer, Mr. Wilby, 

 Mr. J. W. Grant, Mr. Elliot and Mr. Welby Jackson, be requested 

 together with the Secretaries, to act as this Committee, and examine into 

 and report on the best means of supplying the most important works 

 of reference required in the different departments of the Society's la- 

 bours — and to report upon the practicability or otherwise of extending 

 the circulation of works of reference to the Mofussil members. 



The General Museum 



Of Antiquities and Curiosities has been enriched by numerous and 

 valuable donations. An ample and interesting catalogue has been pre- 

 pared by the Librarian, approved of by the Council, and will, with the 

 Catalogue of the Library, be printed immediately. 



The number of visitors to the General Museum has been very large 

 during the past year, over 16,000 persons having been admitted. It is 

 satisfactory to add that although the humblest classes have been 

 allowed free access, no theft or injury to any article has taken place, 



* Statement of the amounts received by the Sale of Oriental Publications. 



In 1842 Rs. 829 8 



,,1843 696 8 



,,1844 424 4 9 



„ 1845 1047 10 



,,1846 777 7 3 



„ 1847 1706 12 



3$te 



