JOURNAL 



OF THE 



ASIATIC SOCIETY, 



AUGUST, 1849. 



On the Physical Geography of the Himalaya. By B. H. Hodgson, Esq. 



A clear outline, illustrated by a sketch map, of the principal natural 

 divisions of the Himalaya, is, and long has been, a great desideratum ; 

 for, physical Geography, which derives so many aids from the otber 

 physical sciences, is expected in return to render back to them without 

 unnecessary delay a distinct demarcation of its own provinces, since by 

 that alone researchers in so many departments are enabled to refer the 

 respective phoenomena they are versant with to their appropriate local 

 habitations, in a manner that shall be readily intelligible, causally sig- 

 nificant, and wholly independant of the shifting and unmeaning arron- 

 dissements of politics. 



It is true that our knowledge of the large portion of these mountains 

 lying beyond the limits of British dominion, is far from complete. 

 But is our knowledge any, thing like complete of our own hill posses- 

 sions? and, if we are to wait until Nepal, Sikim and Bhutan become 

 thoroughly carossable to science, must we not indefinitely postpone a 

 work, the most material part of which may (I think) be performed with 

 such information as we now possess ? 



The details of Geography, ordinarily so called, are wearisomely insig- 

 nificant ; but the grand features of physical geography have a pregnant 

 value, as being alike suggestive of new knowledge, and facilitative of the 

 orderly distribution and ready retention of old. I purpose to adhere 

 to those grand features, and to exhibit them in that causal connexion 

 which gives them their high interest with men of mind. 



No. XXXII.— New Series. 5 r 



