244 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [No. 3. 



whilst the outlay is enhanced. Besides which the publication of 

 such a work is quite inconsistent with the intention of the Biblio- 

 theca Indica, which was to furnish scholars with books to read, not 

 to provide students with the means of learning to read them. 



The objection to the printing of Dictionaries on the score of 

 expense, applies generally to this extension of the scheme of the 

 Bibliotheca. If it is to comprehend all Mohammadan as well as 

 all Hindu literature, where are the funds to be found ? Each is 

 sufficiently copious to absorb all the means placed by the liberality 

 of the Court at the command of the Society for the publication of 

 Indian literature especially ; and to attempt to combine with this 

 Arabic literature also, must end in starving both. Exceptions in 

 favour of the latter where bearing upon Indian Mohammadanism 

 or Indian history under the Mohammadans may be admitted, but 

 the usefulness and success of the Bibliotheca will be grievously 

 impaired if the present disproportionate extension of a literature 

 alien to India be persevered in. I have no wish to undervalue the 

 importance of Arabic literature or the merits of those gentlemen 

 by whom it is so zealously and successfully cultivated, but Persia, 

 Arabia, Egypt, Africa, Turkey, are the fields in which it is the most 

 natural and productive crop, whilst in India it is, like the Moham- 

 madans themselves, a stranger and intruder. 



Trusting that the Society will receive this, as it is intended, as a 

 proof of my sincere interest in its continued prosperity, believe 

 me, 



Tours very truly, 



Sd. H.H.Wilson. 



To this letter the Council proposed the following reply : — 



Sir, — In replying to your letter dated 17th August, 1855, address- 

 ed to the Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, I am directed 

 by the Society to intimate to you the gratification it feels in being 

 assured of your continued interest in its welfare and reputation, 

 whilst it gladly acknowledges that your opinions and advice are enti- 

 tled to the most attentive consideration, as well from your distinguish- 

 ed position in Oriental Literature, as from the many important ser- 

 vices rendered by you to the Society both in India and at home. 



The important nature of your communication, affecting alike the 



