340 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [April, 



Natural History Department. 



Council of the Asiatic Society, 5th April, 1848. 

 The Council submit a Report received from the Section of Natural 

 History on the reference made to the Section respecting Mr. Blyth's 

 claim for an increase of salary and a retiring pension. The Council 

 propose that the Report be received and adopted by the Society. 



W. B. O'Shatjghnessy, 

 Secretary, Asiatic Society. 



The Secretary's letter, forwarding the Report, recommended the 

 immediate preparation of a collection of shells to be forwarded to Mr. 

 Cumming in return for his donation, and the payment of 5625 10s. for 

 works on Conchology sent by Mr. Cumming on the part of Messrs. 

 Sowerby and Reeve. A similar recommendation was made in favor of 

 Mr. Van der Busch of Bremen ; and with reference to an application 

 from Mr. Mitchell for a gift of specimens of Natural History for the 

 Museum of Montrose, regret was expressed that such a donation could 

 not be advised. The above recommendations were unanimously adopt- 

 ed by the Society, 



With reference to the Report on Mr. Blyth's application, the Report 

 having been read, and the question put as to its adoption by the Society, 



Mr. Newmarch objected to the Report as conceived in an illiberal 

 spirit, and treating of matters on which the Section were not invited 

 to offer their opinion. He proposed that it be laid on the table dur- 

 ing the ensuing month, and be discussed at the May meeting. 



This proposition having been seconded by Capt. Thuillier, — it was 

 agreed, at the instance of Dr. Falconer, that it should be decided by 

 ballot. 



A ballot was accordingly taken, when 1 6 balls were found in favor of, 

 and 11 against Mr. Newmarch' s motion. 



A majority of two-thirds being required to carry a vote by ballot, 

 this result caused considerable embarrassment and led to much discus- 

 sion. 



Mr. Bushby said Mr. Blyth should be afforded every opportunity of 

 replying to the serious charges against him made in the Report. 



Mr. H. M. Elliott then moved, seconded by Mr. Heatley,— 



That before the report of the Section of Natural History with respect to 

 Mr. Blyth be adopted, Mr. Blyth be afforded the opportunity of submitting a 



