1851.] The Shalka Meteorite, 3 1 3 



on the minds of all who may read it, the great service which they can- 

 not fail to render to the cause of science by securing immediately 3 and 

 guarding with the utmost care, every stone, known or reputed to be a 

 meteoric one, so soon as information of it reaches them, if by any means 

 this can be done ; and it would seem that a formal notice to the 

 nearest Thannah that such stones were the property of Government 

 would not fail to insure due care being taken of them ? I need hardly 

 explain that these (fragments of other worlds ?) are perhaps not remote- 

 ly connected with great questions of Astronomy and Cosmology, and 

 that the labour of those who bring the materials to men like Herschell, 

 Humboldt, Strilve and so many more, humble as it seems, is yet impor- 

 tant and indispensable, and has its share of honor from every right- 

 thinking mind. 



APPENDIX. 



I have thought it worth while reprinting at full length the queries 

 sent by me to Mr. Mactier, to assist in obtaining for us good informa- 

 tion on any future occasion. I have no doubt that many stones fall in 

 India of which we never hear, but no opportunity should be lost of se- 

 curing all we can obtain, both in the way of information and specimens. 



Queries to which it is desirable replies should be obtained from all 

 persons near the spot where Meteorites fall — from separate witnesses, 

 and as facts within their own knowledge ; not by hearsay. 



Name and profession of deponent. 



2. Where was he when it fell and at what time did it fall? 



3. Where did it fall ? describe the spot exactly. 



4» What kind of ground did it fall upon (send a good specimen of 

 the soil) and describe it particularly as to rocks or stones, or alluvial 

 or arable land ? 



5. How far from any water ? 



6. How many pieces ? 



7. What became of the other pieces ? (If any small ones can be 

 found near the spot like it, or with a black crust, send them). 



8. How was the sky when it fell ? 



9. What noise did it make ? 



10. Was there any blaze of light with it, or any wind blowing at 

 the time ? 



