1855.] Observations on the Graphite of Kumaon. 203 



portion of the Nipal Himalaya. Many of them have in late years 

 migrated into the Darjiling territory ; and there are a few of them 

 settled in Sikkim. 



It was from one of the tribe in the neighbourhood of Darjiling 

 that Lieut. M. procured, or rather compiled, the Alphabet. I had 

 mentioned to him, that it was very desirable to procure some written 

 specimens of this language ; and fortunately, I think, he has suc- 

 ceeded in doing so. Mr. M. possesses a small book in the Limboo 

 character.* 



The Limboo language is now practically extinct as a written 

 one. The character is not used now — or very rarely indeed — 

 and the small book procured by Lieut. Mainwaring is the first 

 example I have seen, after many years endeavouring to procure one 

 for the Society. Many years ago, I brought the existence of this 

 language to the notice of the Society : (see Journal for 1 843) 

 and I was at that time promised an extended detail of its gradual 

 disappearance ; but Ham Singh, the late Dewan of the Sikkim Eaja, 

 who made me the promise and who was himself a Limboo, and well 

 qualified to do so, died soon after. 



Observations on the Graphite or Plumbago of Kumaon and of Tra- 

 vancore. — By Dr. E-oyle, F. R. S. Communicated by the Govern^ 

 ment of India. 



Specimens of Graphite and Plumbago have, on various occasions, 

 been sent from different parts of India and a desire expressed to 

 have their value ascertained in this country. 



Thus at the exhibition of 1851, there were specimens from 

 Almorah, Vizagapatam, and Travancore. 



The specimens from Travancore are in nodules, extremely soft 

 but brilliant, very like the Ceylon Graphite, of which some quantity 

 has, for some time, been imported and sold for about £8 to £10 

 a ton. Some of the purer specimens of Travancore would rank 



* See Proceedings for May when this book was exhibited at a meeting. 



