404 Exploration of the ruins of Sarnath. [No. 5. 



The Lieut.- Governor is glad to learn that so many of the in- 

 teresting objects which have been hitherto discovered during the 

 progress of the excavations, have been deposited, with a descriptive 

 list in the Museum of the Benares College. 



The silver coin, with the Greek profile, which is referred to 

 as a coin of Buddha Gupta, and of about the era 400 A. D., has 

 been properly transferred to the Museum of the E. India House. 



The Lieut.- Governor quite agrees in the views of Dr. Butter, 

 as regards the prosecution of future explorations under his own 

 immediate and close personal supervision. The work need not how- 

 ever be dependent upon the prison labour which the Magistrate 

 may be able to place at his disposal, as a moderate monthly con- 

 tingent charge will readily be sanctioned for this object. 



The Lieut. -Governor awaits the report which you have called 

 for from the Executive Engineer as to the measures which it may 

 be practicable to adopt for preserving the Tope from further dilapi- 

 dation by decay. 



The Lieut.- Governor would very much encourage the taking 

 of photographic delineations of all parts of the remains in their 

 present condition, so as to preserve a correct record of its general 

 appearance, and of the details of the ornamental sculpture and 

 tracery ; and if Dr. Butter or yourself can suggest any plan for 

 giving effect to this proposal, every aid in carrying it into execu- 

 tion will be afforded by Government. 



A copy of this correspondence will be forwarded to the Secre- 

 tary of the Asiatic Society, as it may perhaps be thought of suffi- 

 cient interest to be published in the Journal of the Society. 



The enclosure of your letter is returned, a copy having been 

 retained for record. 



I have, &c. 



(Sd.) C. B. Thornhill, 

 Offg. Secy, to Government, N. W. P. 



